After 20 years, in the market for a power amp

AGD Tempo or Audions. I’ve had them for a few years now with a Backert Labs Rhythm tube pre. Bought a Coda S5.5 after reading all the raves about it but it just didn’t measure up to the AGDs. Sold it. Expensive mistake.

I'm sticking with Conrad Johnson because it just sounds right. Besides they are backed up by excellent service in the rare case you ever need repair. Any move from here will be to a class D but will still hold on to the CJ gear.

++++++1 for the CODA S5.5. 50wpc all class A, more in A/B, and 100 amp capable. Best solid state amp of any type I've ever heard. I have mine paired with an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp, and they are magic together. Easily drives any of my 4 pairs of speakers, with excellence

++ on the Orchard Audio

+1 for Parasound. I recently replaced my A23+ with a Bryston 3b Cubed. One reason I didn't move up to a JC5 was the weight. At 35lbs the Bryston is much easier to deal with for my old muscles. Even the 4B cubed is only 45 lbs. Hard to find another high quality amp below 60lbs. 

I’d recommend checking out the latest offerings from Class D audio and do not let the Class D part spook you. 

I would definitely call Klaus. I can remember when i had grown tired of my Stratos monos years ago and I called him, as he is always upgrading his offerings. He made me a great offer and said just send them in. So I did and he used off branded Symphonic Line caps, changed the power supplies, changed the point to point wiring, and other stuff that I forgot about. When I got them back I just let them cook for a few days while I was away and when I got back I was very impressed with everything about these things. He builds some of the best value amps on tbe market. I had 3 different guys come over with their high end amps and it was immediate and obvious that there was just more of everything in the monos. I moved these amps into my main system after the mods and they haven’t moved yet. I’m getting a new Don Sachs / Linn Olson designed Raven tubed pre amp to feed these things and I think it will bring these to yet another level.

JC5 indeed!

Why not just fix your current amp? Or do you just want something new? 

Will say MOSFET amps sound wonderful to me, have not had the chance to hear any high end Class D, but have not been all that impressed. 

Anything John Curl touches is phenomenal, from the vintage HCA-2200ii to the newer JCs at Parasound.

The JCs surpass the older HCAs unless you're handy with a soldering iron 🙂

I like the MOSFET solid state amps that's why I have had a Hafler 9290 and still do. But, in the last two months I have graduated to a JC5 Parasound.  WOW!

The detail is incredible with a smooth top end, bass is much more pronounced at lower listening levels since we have much more power than the Hafler 9290.

I love the sound of JFET - MOSFET amps even more than a Primaluna 400 integrated with higher grade tubes installed.

If you can swing a JC5 , I wouldn't think twice.

Try the Galion TS A75. It matches anything in the 5-6k I've heard and it's 1.5k. It's very musical and sparkles with plenty of space as others have said. Pretty amazing and they have a generous return policy if you're only auditioning it and decide against it. Just shipping and a 5% restocking fee. Many reviews on you tube-check them out- and overwhelming praise. Unless you can spend a helluva lot more you must try it. You might find yourself saving 4-5k for interconnects and cables.

As a temporary variety test, a class D amp with switchable gain may be an option worth considering. The two sets  here are Audio Alchemy and Bel Canto. The Audio Alchemy is really nice sounding and has a 20/26 DB gain switch on the front panel. The Bel Canto is also switchable gain yet the cover must be removed to do so. 

I love Parasound but will also submit a vote for the Michi S5 -- outstanding amplifier

Dude, just go get a Buckeye. One of the best objectively tested amps in the emntire market, without the snake oil markup. Set for life with those. 

Ochard Audio Starkrimson Ultra. FanFET class D is the way to go. Mine is paired with a PS Audio BHK preamp. It sounds great. 

I have the Coda No 8 V1 driving B&W 805 D4’s.
I wholly agree with audphile1 description “Coda no.8 is another option. This amp is faster, more articulate than the Pass but still retains natural tone and is clear and relaxed sounding.”

Sandy Gross the designer of the speakers used a tube amp in his personal system.  They sounded fantastic with tubes.

Sandy is a customer of ours.

The Khartago, while wholly competent, has long since since been bypassed by the rest of my gear. Looking for something with some synergy with the Primaluna.

Budget $5-7k. Been researching feverishly but it is difficult to get an audition

@pvnasby 

There are class D amplifiers now that are quite a step forward from the typical solid state- combining the speed and detail of solid state with the smoothness and involving character of the best tube amps, that fall within your budget.

buy a slightly used PARASOUND JC5 by John Curl.   fantastic sound, awesome power, awesome driver control, awesome build quality.   many out there for $5k rather than $7500

How much more power do you need than a Primaluna amplifier? For $4k you could have PL’s biggest power amplifier in the EVO 400? If you feel the PL preamplifier provides so much goodness why not mate it with a PL amplifier. What am I missing?

@pvnasby 

I recommend you seriously consider an Audio Research REF 75 SE.  They are around $5k used and will likely bring that for years to come if you ever decided you wanted to move on.  It is super easy to maintain with the bias pots accessible from the front panel and only take 6 tubes in total.  I bought a pair of used Wilson Alexia 1 about a year ago and took my REF 75SE with me to compare to the guy's McIntosh MC 462.  We are comparing 450wpc SS to 75wpc tube.  The output without touching the volume on his preamp was basically identical.  The REF 75SE was much more musical and natural sounding...we both preferred it in his system.  It truly is a special amp and I do not think you would be disappointed.

I auditioned my Triton 1.r's with a Prima Luna 400 integrated, it ran out of steam during the audition and got frazzled. I am 70, the Coda s5.5 weighs 45 pounds-another reason I bought it. I can't lug heavy amps around anymore, it replaced a 140 lb beast I couldn't pick up anymore. Good luck with your search.

Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra. $5K

I agree that it would be best to get a Primaluna amp or amps. However, if you can find a used Hegel 30a, you’ll be surprised how great it will sound with your preamp.

All the best.

@pvnasby Here is a good deal on the new Primaluna evo hybrid from a dealer-used for just one show- for $4600 US.

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650162309-primaluna-evo-300-hybrid-integrated-amplifier/

Or a demo evo 400 for just over $3800 US.

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650158577-prima-luna-evo-400-power-amplifier-silver/

Or a pair of evo 400's from a US dealer for 7k- just posted yesterday!

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650166552-primaluna-evo-400-pair/

@pvnasby My Primaluna Dialogue Premium is available for less than half of your budgets lower end. In silver.

Orchard Audio is running their StarKrimson ganfet amp on tour. Listen for free in your system for 7 days then ship it to the next person on the list. With 500 watts per channel at 4 ohms there is plenty of power and the dynamics are amazing. It is stabile at 2 ohms and even the electrostatic speakers don't faze it. Contact Leo at Orchard Audio. You have nothing to lose.

Thanks,

aldnorab

If I were you I would demo a CODA and AGD Audions  (Class D). both are great amps, can't go wrong.  At this price point make the decision in your listening room. I believe both companies will send "demos" at a reasonable expense.  Deal direct.

PSAudio Stellar M1200 hybrid monoblock amplifiers.  These are helluva amps for sure.  

@pvnasby Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP is the obvious choice. Perfect impedance match. The same massive toroidal power transformers, same AC offset killer circuit that quiets the transformer output so the amp runs silently, same point to point silver plated OFC Swiss made wiring, same Japanese Takman resistors and SCR tinfoil capacitors, same tube sockets bolted to the chassis instead of to circuit boards, same LED bad tube indicators lights. Adaptive Auto Bias so you can use any of the tubes listed below without ever having to bias them. Ultra linear or triode mode controlled via remote control.

70 Watts with EL34's

80 Watts with KT88's

84 Watts with KT120's

96 Watts with KT150's

I have one available if it interests you.

I helped someone put together a system a few years ago with GE Triton 1 speakers and we drove them with a Parasound A21 Halo amp.  I was very impressed with the sound quality of the system.

@pvnasby This is a qiote regurading you "dream amp" vs the Coda S5.5

>

Hey ddafoe,

I did a review on the Pass Labs X250.8, excellent amplifier, and the bass control on all the Coda amps, including the S5.5, is much better controlled/dynamic because of the loading of 100 amps of current based on their giant power supply sections.

Teajay <<

It simply doesn't get serious consideration because of the price, it is outstanding.

I own the Triton Reference and find them amp friendly. I have used McIntosh 452 and Michi X5 integrated. both made excellent music. The PrimaLuna amps are great too. Parasound Halo is a great choice too. The JC 1 is probably one of the best amps ever if considering price and performance. 

 Agree with @stereo5 about Triton Refererence. This is my second pair. I tried to go up the high end ladder twice and decided the T Ref were perfect for me and my room.

As for the impedance on the Triton Ones.  They sounded their best using the 8 ohm taps on my McIntosh amp.  Not that dynamic using the 4-ohm taps.

I've been fortunate to be able to compare the Coda S5.5 to a highly modified and regarded current Class D stereo amp as well as Prima Luna product. Same experience as @mclinnguy, no comparison.

@mclinnguy , Ordinarily, I would doing exactly like you suggested and building my system around a pair of speakers.  But in this case, I literally do not have a functioning power amp. So that’s the call at the moment. I agree it’s less than ideal in terms of system building.  I’m very fond of the Primaluna. When I bought it, I listened for five straight hours—the difference was that striking (and GOOD) My next step with it will be new tubes, but I need to get this problem addressed first.

@mclinnguy Thanks for the data point in terms of the 'high priced spread' you referenced. I appreciate the validation that the VTV punches above its weight so to speak, as while I have as much passion for great immersive listening as the next guy, budget is always a consideration and my focal point is 'bang for the buck' with an eye on maximizing that at whatever limit the budget imposes. The idea that I could spend 5-7k on a two channel amplifier or would actually decide to do so is somewhat laughable as there just isn't that kind of excess in the budget. I don't fault those who would do so, not by any means, I have never had the opportunity to audition equipment in that price range, let alone actually own it. At the age of 72 I am not sure my ears could appreciate the difference, but I'll probably never find out either. GIven the lack of Bricks and Mortar dealers in current times, I don't see them getting anything but more scarce and I don't travel nearly as well as I used to. Anything I buy now of significant money has to come with a home trial as part of the deal so I can live with it a while and see if it passes muster. So at this point conversations with people like you who don't have an axe to grind and my own judgement thru reading reviews and studying features and specs are the tools at my disposal for picking replacement equipment for what I lost in the fire. I appreciate every data point I get from an independent source since it will be considered in the final decisions made.

I agree with those saying try the Kismet.  I have a khartago cased Kismet and it's ridiculous.  I have yet to go back to compare, but at the time while it was still warming up, the Kismet beat my friend's passlabs 250.8 as far as imaging, and clarity.  I'll need to go back soon, as he only had about 70 hours on that amp when we compared (not really fair as my Kismet has many hours on it).  But I have to say, if you want to save some $, I absolutely love my Kismet.  Otherwise yes I hear very good things about the Coda stuff.  Super curious on those vs a Kismet vs a Passlabs.  Also I have a stereo Kismet, and am super curious if you were to run monoblock Kismets.  Probably less expensive than the Coda or Pass gear still!

A Bryston 3B Cubed is in your price range. No worries for another 20 years. The Cubed series is the best Bryston amp ever. 

Pathos makes a great sounding amp...

I know there are strong opinions about class D amps and if you have a strong bias against them, I might as well shut up right now :). However if you don’t, there are a number of class D offerings featuring Hypex and Purifi modules as well as ICEpower amps by OEM manufacturers. While many will poo-poo their sonic signature or perhaps the lack thereof, class D has truly arrived. Their advantages over other more traditional architecture is well documented and quite valid. I just recently got a VTV amplifier (assembled in Ohio) featuring the Hypex NC502 module that is one of the cleanest I have ever heard. Neutral, powerful, cool running and 350-ish clean watts into 6 ohms. Physically attractive in a minimalist kind of way and 759 bucks delivered. Hard to argue with roughly $1/watt of quality amplification. This could save you a ton of money over some choices you could make and you get a 30 day trial period. If you don’t like it send it back for a refund. Warren was great to deal with and answered my questions prior to purchase. No, I am not being compensated for the recommendation. Its based entirely on my own satisfaction with what I got for my money.

@livinon2wheels Well I believe I am qualified to comment on this. I have owned Nord NC500's, a VTV NC500 and I still own IMO the best quality Hypex amp one can buy: an Apollon NCx500. I agree, they are clean, neutral, powerful, have wonderful clarity and detail, tight bass.

And then I heard a class A Coda. No comparison. 

No bias, no judgements, no ignorance, just facts. The Apollon is a wonderful $2000 amplifier that with quality cabling probably out performs most amplifiers under $4000. But if one's budget is 5-7K and one can get a Coda (or similar) don't even consider Hypex. IMO. 

OP: Strange you mentioned maggies, I also have a Primaluna Pre, and Maggies, and like you felt like doing something different, so just picked up another set of speakers, and have some other tube amps coming.

If you are looking at Pass Labs amplifiers, (as many people do) maybe you could ask @audphile1 to add more details regarding his extensive experiences with them compared to Coda and what he has now. 

Your comment above comes across as a little odd, in that you seem to be leaning towards building your system around your Primaluna pre?- correct me if I am wrong. Having said that I am sure it wouldn't be the first time- I think most people build a system around a set of speakers, but maybe just as many love an amp and they get speakers and other components to match? I don't know- just thinking out loud. Then typically the last piece of the puzzle is the cabling to add that last bit of spice into their "meal". Lots of ways to enjoy this hobby and get better sound!

Have you already played with NOS tubes in your Primaluna? It was a HUGE difference for me. 

A couple of years ago I found a used Ayre VX5-Twenty and it is such a great match with all the different speakers I’ve used with it—Maggie 1.7i, Audio Physic Avantera+, ProAc, Genesis 7f. A very versatile and reliable amp for the long haul. 

nice budget. My "pricey" list would be Sugden, Simaudio, Hegel, Moonriver

Fair question. But after 20 years, I’m ready for something else. I’m a huge Klaus Bunge fan, and I’m going to be sending the Khartago in for repair and to serve as a backup amp. (I gave my old backup away) But I’m not specifically opposed to going back to Odyssey, (and have considered going to Stratos monoblocks, but I lack adequate space for them)

Why not stick with Klaus and go Odyssey Kismet?

Thank you for all the responses!
 

Part of what is making this difficult is that I am actually buying not so much for the GE’s, but rather what comes down the road (which could in fact be more GE’s). So the real exercise is what pairs well the Primaluna but also with a future pair of speakers in the $10k range or higher.

I am looking to add some power for that reason. Maggies are off the table due to my room layout, but just about anything else is possible. A Pass 250.8 is probably my dream amp and within striking distance used. But I’m not married to that idea. I know there are a lot of folks on here with more knowledge than I do.

sensitivity 92 seems easy; 4 ohms, compatible with 8 ohms seems easy

however, they are nominal 4 ohms, and there must be dips below that, so I would limit my list to amps that do well with 2 ohm loads.

Prima Luna EVO 200’s offer 2 ohm taps as well as 4 and 8 when used as MonoBlocks, and fit your budget

PrimaLuna EVO 200

I know there are strong opinions about class D amps and if you have a strong bias against them, I might as well shut up right now :). However if you don’t, there are a number of class D offerings featuring Hypex and Purifi modules as well as ICEpower amps by OEM manufacturers. While many will poo-poo their sonic signature or perhaps the lack thereof, class D has truly arrived. Their advantages over other more traditional architecture is well documented and quite valid. I just recently got a VTV amplifier (assembled in Ohio) featuring the Hypex NC502 module that is one of the cleanest I have ever heard. Neutral, powerful, cool running and 350-ish clean watts into 6 ohms. Physically attractive in a minimalist kind of way and 759 bucks delivered. Hard to argue with roughly $1/watt of quality amplification. This could save you a ton of money over some choices you could make and you get a 30 day trial period. If you don’t like it send it back for a refund. Warren was great to deal with and answered my questions prior to purchase. No, I am not being compensated for the recommendation. Its based entirely on my own satisfaction with what I got for my money.

https://vtvamplifier.com/product/vtv-amplifier-stereo-hypex-nc502mp-ncore-amplifier-500wx2/

+3 Coda S5.5. There is a good discussion at:

Coda S5.5

I would call Doug Dale with Coda.  Tell him what you have for gear.  You should also think about your long term plan.  Will you ever change speakers?

For my Von Schweikert Endeavor RE speakers, Doug recommended the No 8, V1.  That's what I bought.

I've been using tube preamps with solid state amps for years.  First were conrad-johnson.  Now it's a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp.