I am in the market for a $ 5-6 k monoblock amplif

I would likely buy the Clayton M200 or M300 Class A mono amps to drive thius electrostatic speaker. Maybe if you peruse the used equipment areas you can find them in this price range.

Greg

If you are looking at tubes, consider Manley Snappers, but you would need to order before February 15 when they are subject to a HUGE price increase.

If you are looking at class D, I might suggest looking at Red Dragon Audio. They offer ICE amps for $499 or $799 each that should fit the bill. The $799 amps are virtually identical to the old Bel Canto Ref1000. Red Dragon offers a return period as well, so there's no real risk. While I'm not knocking the ML Source (by all accounts, a very nice speaker), I'm not sure that I would spend $6K on a speaker that Audio Advisor is selling for $1400/pr. Of course, I've been told the same thing about spending an equivalent amount on monoblocks for my Zu's :)

Seriously, though, try Red Dragon. I conversed with them over the holidays. Very nice and very responsive. A pair of the 500 watt monoblocks should work extremely well for your application (probably at least as well if not better than the 1000 watt monoblocks). That leaves a lot of scratch left over to spend on a pre or a source.

PMB

PMB

Markwatkiss,

I just built Hypex UCD400HG with HXR monoblocks using Neotech wire, a Furutech IEC & Furutech RCAs and I must tell you that it has bettered my Berning ZH270 significantly in all areas. There is not one area that my Berning is better. It isn't even close to put it mildly. And if you do a search, I think you will find the Berning is a very highly regarded amp.

IMHO, Class D has most definitely arrived and it body-slammed my Berning.

You don't indicate how much power you want. Monarchy Audio has 2 hybrid monoamps that are just below or in your range. Both use either* a 12AT7 or 6922** for Voltage gain, a bunch of MOSFETS for output devices, and NO negative feedback, global or local. The SE-160s sell (direct) for $2400/pr. and are rated at 160Watts into 8 or 320 into 4. The SE-250s are more expensive and more powerful.

Monarchyaudio.com. Owner's name is CC Poon.

After auditioning a pair of his smaller amps, I just ordered a pair of 160s for my 89dB-sensitive Audio Physic Avanti IIIs. The smaller amps sounded great; I wanted a warmer tonal balance and more power.

* apparently the owner is transitioning from the 6922 (et al) to the 12AT7, and since these amps are made to order, you get a choice.

** 6922, 6DJ8, 6CG7, 6FQ7, 6N1P, etc.
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