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Current production "budget" warm/dark SS amp?

Are there any class A/B solid state amps that are currently in production (or only recently went out of production) that are known for having a warm/dark sound that can be bought used for under about $1500? I used to own a B&K 4420, which I liked quite a bit for its warm/dark sound signature before it died on me. That amp retailed for around $1,100 new but went out of production over a decade ago, I think. The other amp I am thinking of is the Audio Research 100.2, which also went out of production years ago and was known for its "musicality". Are there recent- or current-production solid state amps that are similar to those amps but are NOT Class D, don't cost a fortune, and are not 90+ lb. behemoths?
mcondon
13 responses Add your response
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muzikat
926 posts
 
Naim has been said to be dark. It runs on class A B
gslone
274 posts
 
Out of production, Conrad Johnson MF2250 would be my first choice. The "A" version will be a little more expensive, but still under $1500.00, and are easy to find. The MF2250 also has two bigger brothers for consideration.
The ARC is one fine amp.. they' usually list for 1600-1900, but don't come around very often. Both retain their value well, plus you'll always get good support from both companies.
mcondon OP
235 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations. My speakers are Sehring 703s (86 dB sensitivity). The preamp is an old Aesthetix Calypso. My current amp is a McIntosh MC275, which I generally like, but it doesn't offer up very convincing bass with my somewhat bass-shy speakers, heats up my living room to an uncomfortable extent, and seems to have raised my monthly electric bill quite a bit. So I am thinking about downsizing to a less expensive solid state amp that might sound similar to the B&K I used to own, but is newer, more reliable, and will be serviceable if the need for repair arises.
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armstrod
611 posts
 
I owned Monarchy SM70 Pro monoblocks, and they were definitely on the warm side for SS amps. They'd have similar power as your MC275, and so would probably drive your Sehrings to similar levels. They're Class A and run hot, but not blazing. I loved them with my Von Schweikert VR-1s, but they were a little noisy with my Druids. The new Mk IIs are supposed to be quieter than the originals I had.

David
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I second the Conrad Johnson for a warm SS amp. You might also want to try an older Mac, although people have argued that their SS amps are not all that warm, I think they are but to each his own. In any event you should get the bass balance you seek.
loftarasa
171 posts
 
Primare is known for soft tonality - the I21 budget amp being quite dark, the I30 more neutral and of higher transparency but still with a shared house sound.

Similarly, the Exposure 2010 and 3010 both have a non-fatiguing presentation.
nikturner920
144 posts
 
'Warm' and 'Dark' as used in audio are different to me.

Maybe a Sim Audio moon W- 3 or 5? Maybe one of there new amps?

The treble has detail without being etched and emphasized so could call them a touch dark. I wouldn't call them warm though in terms of lush midrange but you have a tubed pre.

I'm running an Aesthetix Calypso with Sim Audio W-6 monos and the combo is great with fantastic bass.
ryder
1,689 posts
 
08-19-10: Mcondon
Thanks for the recommendations. My speakers are Sehring 703s (86 dB sensitivity). The preamp is an old Aesthetix Calypso. My current amp is a McIntosh MC275, which I generally like, but it doesn't offer up very convincing bass with my somewhat bass-shy speakers...
The Mcintosh 275MkIV is a powerful amp that shouldn't have any problems driving s speaker with a sensitivity of 86dB. The bass quality is very high when compared to other SS amps like the Plinius SA-100Mk3 that I've owned. I am not familiar with your speakers, and there could be a possibility the perceived shy bass is due to the speakers rather than the amp. Food for thought.

By the way, the Plinius amps are dark sounding and quite similar in presentation to the Mac but lose out in finesse and bass depth. I have compared the MC275MkIV and Plinius SA-100Mk3 in my system side by side with an ARC LS16 line stage.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
Change speakers.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Plinius and MBL are on the warm side.
dob
577 posts
 
Audio Research 100.2 is class D amplifier. See review in TAS Nov 2008 issue
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