Best new amp under $2k?


After reading a spirited review of McCormack's DNA-125 and Belles Hotrod 150A in December's Stereophile I am interested in what you think is the best in this category. The biggest attraction to this class of amp (under $2k) is the value everyone seems to talk about. You know, 80-90% of the performance of the big boys at a third of the cost. Any and all thoughts are welcome.
128x128dtwomey

Showing 4 responses by leafs

The Rogue is a good choice.I had one for about 6 months very special in Triode.My speakers are 92 db and i was able to play as loud as i would ever want.90+ dB with no effort. I switched to the Rogue 120 Monoblocks.You can get them used 1700/1800.If you speakers are less than 90dB they might be a better choice.
I use KT 88.Sovtek.I tried KT90 but they where a bad set so i never did really find out what they could sound like.I have put Amprex 12AX7NOS in them this was a nice upgrade.My Rogue 88 had 6550C Svetlana and sounded very nice. I have Coincident IC from my sources TT/CD.I have a Audioquest Quartz from Pre to Amp and i am getting Coincident Speakers cables.I had a set for trial and i have now purchased a pair on this site and will get them this week.I have Super Conquests.Which speakers do you use.
Trelja,I auditioned the Visionarry Refference which was a 6K speaker when it was in production.It was a Triangle Shape with the Back being a little higher than the front.Thw Mid and Highs were the best i have heard.I found it lacking in bottom end.I later found out this was designed to be used with a sub and therefore the shy bootom end.There is a dealer in Toronto,who has a demo pair for sale.2.5k roughly.Anyone who is wiliing to mate it to a good sub will have a killer speaker.I dont have the space for adding a sub.I went with the Supper for the Extra bottom end.hey are side firing.I also heard Proacs B&W Meadowlarks JM labs and found the Coincident a better listen.What amp are you using with your Coincidents.
They realy are a steal at 4k Canadain which is about 2700.00 US.You really scored large,there are many out there who have spend 4/5 times more and have got much less in value.