Class A amplifier choice, need suggestions

I also was stunned with the Aleph 5. I initially heard it on a pair of Wilson Watt/Puppy 6's and was amazed. It's the only class A amp I've owned so I can't compare it to others, but I've had Krell KAV250a before and it blows it away.

I've heard Levinsons at my dealers before and at the price of a used Pass Aleph, I'll take the Pass.

My favorite is the Pass X600 monoblock. It operates in class A up to 100 watts continuous (200 watts peak), then shifts into class AB mode. While it doesn't go up to the X1000's 1000 watt max, its 600 watts of rated continuous power is more than enough for most applications, and it doesn't have the X1000's power connection idiosyncracies. It sounds terrific in the midrange, pretty good in the high end, and OK if not super in the bass.

Hello,

I currently own an PS Audio HCA-2, which is one of the cheapest class A rated amps (by Stereophile) in the world. The sound is awesome... very fast and tight bass, transparent and grainless trebles, female voice sounds exceptionally good. I had it run for 5 straight days and the amp wasn't even warm when touched. Since I don't have a dedicated circuit, the amp's 95% power efficiency really help. When I first had the amp, I did experience ground loop hum. After I lifted the ground (by removing the ground wire from my PC), everything went silent. This amp is driving the Tyler Acoustics Linbrooks with outboard crossovers by the way.
Disclaimer: I am in no way associated with PS Audio or a dealer. I am just a very happy audiophile who bought an outstanding product at an affordable price.

Good luck with your search for the perfect amp!