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!
outlier

Showing 1 response by raquel

The only tube amps I am aware of that can drive mbl's are the CAT amps (the original JL-1 was allegedly specifically built to drive the 101E). They are finicky, however, and require someone with patience and money.

Not to be a pessimist, but I wish you luck, as most high-powered amps sound artificial due to all of the output devices. The original Classe Omega is actually pretty listenable, but at 250 lbs., a pain to install and deal with.