Based upon childhood memories (Leak)...
A properly refurbished Leak ST 20 (might need a quality repop PT in the redo) paired with contemporary easy to drive speakers.
Also intrigued by the less expensive David Berning/LTA offerings but have only briefly listened to a couple of his amps (the last being maybe 15 years ago and the other way before that).
I recently posted about a Roger Modjeski EL84 based power amp that I also find special in that it's sound was different, but also incredibly pleasing instead of odd.
It didn't seem to to compress with busy source material and instead remained 3D/open (and this from 2 EL84's per channel).
Not up on new stuff (as you can imagine by my posted rig).
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Oh, I missed the point, what would WE choose? What would I choose?.
I thought you meant, you had already see an amp you 'must' have.
15k budget, that's more than I would spend, I have efficient speakers, so I have the advantage of staying in 25, 35-45 wpc range which are more affordable.
I researched, chose my Cayin, love it, it never occurs to me to consider another. That left me with 12K to spend on other stuff. Well, I would like external bias adjusters and meters. |
Sanders sound Magtech mono blocs.
Any warm speaker. (86-90 db 1w/1m)
CJ ET5 SE.
Rotel 1572 CD player.Audioquest cables.
8 ga speaker cables.
Bottle of Bushmills 21yr single malt Irish whisky!
Can of Copenhagen long cut.
Leave me alone!!!! |
Levinson ML-2 is a great idea. Can it still be serviced ? I read about it but never heard it.
Gryphon Diablo is yes, basically a power amp with passive preamp. However, I would try to find used Gryphon Class A power amp. instead of it first. |
"...perfect minimalist audiophile set-up..."
Still needs a pre-amp.
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I personally might do an Ayre or a D'Agostino. however, I'd definitely have speakers in mind. What I normally suggest people listen to are: This gives a nice spread of amps and sound qualities. Luxman and D'Agostino more similar than not, Pass and Ayre taking decidedly different approaches. If I was going to use a high efficiency Klipsch, Tannoy or Altec type of set up Pass would be high on my list, but honestly I tend to stick to small footprint conventional multi-way speakers. Wilson's being among the largest I'd consider. |
Gryphon is what immediately came to mind as soon as I read your notional budget. The Diablo is hard to beat for overall sound quality in a neat package, especially if you have no desire to fuss with tubes. Solid state really doesn’t get any better at that price point.
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Good luck with that i will always have great preamp(Audia Flight Stremento #1 mk2) and tube phono stage(TW ACUSTIC RPS 100). |
A ZOTL amplifier of David Berning....
No question, what else?
It is the only tube amplifier, with almost illimited tube life, no heat, and the qualities of tube amplifier+ S.S. design.... Price at low level /high quality
Pairing them with a pair of speakers i dont know which to chose yet... |
This is not a theoretical exercise for me. I'm there. I didn't exactly start with my amps, which are Atma-Sphere M-60s, but anything I do going forward will start with these amps. I might as well pour concrete around them. They aren't going anywhere. |
elliottbnewcombjr: the OP wants an amplifier as a starting point for building a system around. Strictly a fantasy exercise! So I offered a great classic amp from the past and two radically different speakers that can work with it! |
The ML-2 certainly set a benchmark for SS class A amplification! |
Minimalist, but not totally:
I must have remote volume, mute, and remote balance from my listening position.to refine individual tracks the engineer’s didn’t get perfect. Or the equipment/system isn't getting it perfectly. Balance, enjoy now, check everything in the morning.
A very small balance adjustment can make a large difference to imaging, not just the center i.e. singer, but more distinctive localization of backup singers, other musicians, giving a more involving experience.
Another advantage: If you learn to listen for, appreciate distinct instruments, imaging, then when it is OFF, it is not easy to ’let it go’.
R2R, you have individual volume settings L and R, watching meters is one thing, and who knows when matching signal strength l/r are correct using the beginning of a program’s content. delivered sound to your listening position is the real thing. |
The Levinson ML-2 mono amp has 1 Farad of capacitance in its cap bank! Something of a record here! And the ability to easily drive the 1 ohm Apogee Scintilla - a brutal load indeed! 200 watts @ 1 ohm! |
If you 'must' have a particular amp, that most importantly affects your choice of speakers, i.e. amp's power will need ____ efficiency speaker, in your space, at your desired max volume.
Even if what you 'must' have is powerful, I always recommend efficient speakers so you can eventually try tube amp(s) within an affordable power range where there is more options.
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Pick your efficient speakers first! Within the 'efficient' category, find speakers you 'must' have. After speaker selection, knowing your space and volume preferences, you know how powerful an amp you will need. Then find an amp
you 'must' have
within that power category.
Enough power? IF not too much = less: money, heat, weight = more placement options. |
A pair of the Levinson ML-2 (25 watt) monos. Plus a pair of Quad 57's. Designed by Tom Colangelo. Each mono amp weighs 100 lbs. No skimping here on the power supply! |
