2. amps-preamps
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Pure Class A shootout

Hi after doing a lot of research and listening, I think pure class A is still the way to go for me. I'm wondering if you have any opinions on the following amps and how they compare with each other:

1) Gryphon Colliseum (mono or stereo)
2) Gryphon Antileon Signature (mono or stereo)
3) Pass XA 160.5 or XA 200.5
4) Krell Evo 2

They will be powering Rockport Altair's or maybe Rockport Arrakis (still debating that one too).

I see a few dilemmas. For Krell, it seems like the spirit behind their products Dan D'Agostino is no longer with the firm and thus maybe their brand/lineup in the future may be compromised. Also, Krell's preamp reputation is not as good as their amplification. That's similar to Pass as well - great reputation on the amps but not as reputable on the pre-amps. Don't get offended as I'm only talking relative terms (i.e comparing products at very very lofty levels). For Gryphon, their amp and preamps are supposedly top notch, but right now the Euro is extremely strong vs the US$ and I'm thinking I should be picking up something American as it's more of a bargain. Gryphon + Rockport is a "formula" and I know I can't go wrong with it but I'm wondering if there are other options.

So I guess the question is:
1) Have anyone ever compared the best Pure Class A amps? How do they compare with one another? Yes I know they are all good at this level but unfortunately I have only listened to the Gryphons mated with Rockports.
2) Any other options that I should consider? No tubes please as I have no desire to mess with tubes.
3) Should I even compare/consider the older pure class A amps like the ML 33/33H? i.e are the new pure Class A leaps and bounds better than the older reference lines?

Thanks, -Isaac
changster
jtgofish's avatar
jtgofish
515 posts
 
I have owned and used many Class A amplifiers over the years.All with the expectation that they should sound better than Class A/B.
I have never heard any evidence that this is the case.
They sound slightly different but I would not say better.
I even owned owned a single ended Class A SS amp that looked like a room radiator.
I have owned two amps on which you could select Class A or Class A/B operation.I prefered both in Class A/B but the sonic difference was very slight.
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
Hey Changster,

You might want to look at this, if you are still considering Krell.

Possible good news for Krell Fans!

Cross your fingers, huh?!
:-)
changster OP
40 posts
 
Kurt_Tank - wow that's an interesting read. Hope it works out for their founder. There's always two sides to a story so we'll see what happens.
classicjazz
153 posts
 
I've owned the predecessor to the Antileons, the Reference One Mono blocks and from there went to Lamm M1.1. I have also had Lamm M1.2 amps, Krell FPB series, Krell KAS2, Pass Aleph O. If you wish to buy American, you might also consider Boulder, which is top notch.

From what I have read about the Krell EVO, the sound is supposed to be quite good. I am not sure the internal heatsinks dissipate enough heat insofar as they are basically enclosed.

As for sound. The Gryphon I owned were powerful, a bit dark and rough around the edges and were absolute heaters that eventually became unbearable to live with in southern California. But they were impressive nonetheless. The Lamm M1.2 amps are sonically excellent but at their price point, I find the build quality to be reminiscent of something I could pull together myself at Madisound (I refer to the chassis and hardware, not the circuitry of course).
changster OP
40 posts
 
Classicjazz -

Yeah I've also read the same comments on the Gryphon older amps, but I heard their newer stuff (even inluding Antileon Signature amps) is a different breed. I listened to the Mirage/Colosseum mated with Rockports and it was fantastic. The Colosseum was everything the Antileon Signature was, except the soundstage grew bigger, taller, and deeper (forward/backward). Maybe just slightly fuller too in size of the image. All in all, very very close.

Good feedback on the Lamms. There are no dealers where I live unfortunately.
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