Hi Outlier, I am extremely fond of the Spectron Mus 3 amp for its musicality, cleanliness of sound, and authority. In the same $5K range you may also want to have a good look at the Nuforce Reference 9 V2 SE monos which I also enjoy, although I have not been able to compare it directly with the Spectron. besides these devices sounding extremely good, they run very cool to the touch as their power conversion efficiency is over 90%. . . and having 'green' amps in times of soaring energy costs is not bad a thing at all at all at all! G. Just remember that there is no such thing as an absolute 'best'. . . there is only what you prefer. . . with your own ears, for the music you enjoy, in your own system. . . for the reasons that are important to you.
Best high current high power $5k amp for MBL 121
I've narrowed down my choice of amp(s) to the following to help me drive my MBL 121. The speakers are very inefficient at 82db and with a 4ohm load. I can consider amps for around $5k used but would like to spend a lot less if I can. Amps include:
Spectron Musician III SE Mkii
Plinius SA 250mkiv or 301
Pass Labs 250.5 or 350.5
Cary 500MB
McCormack DNA 500
Bryston 7BSST
I welcome any suggestions, especially from folks familiar with driving these speakers, and also welcome thoughts other amplifier options.
I play a wide range of music and varying volume. I'm typically a tube guy, and I value liquidity, airiness and naturalness above all else. I find I care little for pursuit of a low noise floor at the expense of other aspects of music reproduction. I find I don't particularly mind a sound that some may find colored if it breathes life to the music (I have a Supratek Syrah preamp that I love). I've had one or two highly regarded amps that may be considered accurate or transparenet, but which I found to be dead and lifeless.
Anyways, I welcome advice and input on what is an expensive purchase for me that I want to get right. I may also consider a far cheaper amp (a giant-killer, if there is one) that may not get me all the way there, but which will make do for a year or so as a good bridge to a better amp later on.
Finally, might there be a tube amp option for me? Again, I need a high power solution, and even moreso, I need a high current solution - to drive these speakers properly.
Thanks!
Spectron Musician III SE Mkii
Plinius SA 250mkiv or 301
Pass Labs 250.5 or 350.5
Cary 500MB
McCormack DNA 500
Bryston 7BSST
I welcome any suggestions, especially from folks familiar with driving these speakers, and also welcome thoughts other amplifier options.
I play a wide range of music and varying volume. I'm typically a tube guy, and I value liquidity, airiness and naturalness above all else. I find I care little for pursuit of a low noise floor at the expense of other aspects of music reproduction. I find I don't particularly mind a sound that some may find colored if it breathes life to the music (I have a Supratek Syrah preamp that I love). I've had one or two highly regarded amps that may be considered accurate or transparenet, but which I found to be dead and lifeless.
Anyways, I welcome advice and input on what is an expensive purchase for me that I want to get right. I may also consider a far cheaper amp (a giant-killer, if there is one) that may not get me all the way there, but which will make do for a year or so as a good bridge to a better amp later on.
Finally, might there be a tube amp option for me? Again, I need a high power solution, and even moreso, I need a high current solution - to drive these speakers properly.
Thanks!