2. amps-preamps
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Best Amp for under 10K?

I'm building a new system and have been away from the audio world for a long time.

So far I've purchased the Sonus Amiti Homage and Sonus Cremona speakers.

I've also purchased the VTL TL 5.5 pre amp, an Aerial Acoustic SW-12 subwoofer and the Transparent cables.

Now I need to select the best amp for the system.

I've been looking at the VTL MB 450, the Levinson No 336, a pair of the Bel Canto EVO 200.2 and the Classe Cam 350.

All opinions and recommendations are welcome.
stanford

Showing 2 responses by stehno

stehno
1,453 posts
 
I agree with Garfish. Either investigate the new McCormack DNA-500 or get a used DNA-2 or DNA-2 Deluxe (about $1800 used) and send it to McCormack for the $2500 Rev A upgrade. There may not be an amp under $10k that could touch it. IMO.

I own a DNA-2 LAE (Limited Anniversary Edition) and the LAE version is everything the (IAR) International Audio Review(er) Peter Moncrief said it was back in 1999 when he rated the LAE the number one ss amp.

The Rev A's and LAE's are very fast and very powerful providing fantastic inter-transient silence, etc..

The LAE being just slightly superior to the Rev A. :)
stehno
1,453 posts
 
The Moon W5 is a very nice amp. I owned one for about 4 months and sold late last year. IMO, my McCormack DNA-2 LAE is a better amp than the W5 though, especially in the lower bass regions. But they are certainly in the same league. I've not heard the Odyssey Stratos but IAR rated it one up from the W5 also and only costs $1000.
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