Best Small SS Amps for Passive Pre & Soliloquy 5.0

Get a pair of these and run them in bridged mono.

Power Output:
Stereo Mode: 8 Ohm Load: 25 Watts rms x 2, 4 Ohm Load: 40 Watts rms x 2
Mono Mode: 8 Ohm Load: 80 Watts rms, 4 Ohm Load: 120 Watts rms
Minimum Load Impedence tolerated: 3 Ohms continuous, 2 Ohms intermittent
Input Impedence: 100k-Ohm
Input Sensitivity: 1 Volt rms for full output

Dimensions: 5" x 11" x 13" (H x W x D)

I have auditioned both they and their larger silings, the SE-100 Delux's, for a good itme in my system and was overwhelmed with their musicality and beautiful tonality. qualities. (that was before the stock market crashed). These amps sound dynamic, richly toned, and beautifully sweet high frequencies. I'd stack them up against just about anything under $2.5k, the difference would only be a matter of personal taste rather than performance.

You can get a used pair here for $1000 or less and they are perfect for what you need. It only takes 1 volt peak-to-peak for full volume and they have 100k Ohm input impedence which mean they can esily be driven by passive preamps. Run them in bridged mono and they deliver impressive power. I know you said that you don't need loud volume, but the reserve grunt really helps with dynamics on complex passages (even at low volume).

The professional reviews on these little(and I mean small) jewels have rated them one of the best buys in audio at any price.

www.monarchyaudio.com

Soundstage!
http://www.monarchyaudio.com/monarchy_sm70pro.htm

Stereo Times review:
http://www.stereotimes.com/Monarchy%20Audio%20SM-70%20Pro%20Zero-Feedback%20Amplifier.htm

Bound for Sound:
http://www.monarchyaudio.com/BFS_SM70PRO.html

Audio Musings:
http://www.monarchyaudio.com/sm70_ams.html

A used McCormack DNA-0.5 or 0.5 deluxe would work very well and be well within your price range. McCormack has a reputation of being the tube lover's solid state amp, so take that for what it's worth. I'm using a DNA-0.5 Rev. A with a pair of 5.3s and it's a pretty sweet combo. I also like the Pass Labs and Odyssey recommendations. Best of luck.

Tim

Used Odyssey Stratos and Channel Island Passive pre.

See if you can audition a used Bryston 3B-ST -- it might be an excellent solution for you.

Watch out! The output impedance of the Planet is quite high and it's not necessarily a good match for a passive pre. You should also keep an eye on the input sensitivity/impedance of your power amp.

You can get a used Pass Aleph 30 or Aleph 3 for that price. I have the Aleph 30 (bought used for 1025 here) and it excels in all the points that are important to you and the 30W doesn't seem to be an issue for you.

You would have a hard time beating a JOB stereo amp for this application....check it out on the Goldmund website. You could even do away with the passive as it has it's own vloume control. This is a very good amp within it's power range and would work well with your speakers...and it doesn't get much smaller.