Demo'ing Class A amps, Appreciation Suggestions from those who recently been there


I recently sold my Cary S120MKll Amp in 2 days. It was 60wpc triode.
Filling in with Pass Lab, baby DIY Class A Mono blocks. Maxing at 7 wpc.
My speakers are rated 94 Sensitivity older FSMs by Tannoy.

I have sampled so far in order of preference:

-Pass Labs XA25 -Disneyland color the way I like it. $4,900 new
-Leben 300 Int. 12 wpc. EL 84s by Golden Lion-Like an Upscale call girl. Seductive. $4,000 new-Not in the running-

-Lejonklou Boazu Int.-40wpc S.S. Class a/b-Totally Pure. Almost hurts to hear a guitar slide. $4,000 new
-Sugden Masterclass IA 4 Class A to 33wpc. Very smooth but surprisingly not a great match with my Tannoys. $6,000?

What else would you think might be worth a listen?
I want to go Solid State this time. I enjoy the Class A resolution.
Yes the Leben is an outlier someone offered and I said "Sure"! Done with hum otherwise.


I listen from a low of 60 db to high of 75 db.
Room is irregular and medium sized in terms of cubic
feet. Treated as needed.

I want an amp that is satisfying enough to keep for the long run.
Someday I may add the others for a different sound or with less efficient planars, etc.

Price range $5k max.
Used preferred.
Willing to wait.

Brands I am have not heard but read positive comments about:
Ayre, Naim, Linn

Thank you all in advance for your thoughts.
Please do not feel compelled to respond if you
have not been here in the last few years.





chorus

Showing 2 responses by gryphongryph

Smooth Class A, try the Belles SA-30, I just got one and it is sounding wonderful 
@decooney - I am very impressed by the sound, very good soundstage with beautiful decaying of instruments, I did not expect so much right away as I am using the pre out of my old intergraded amp, but I can live with this sound happily until I get a tube pre.

I think it sounds neutral, the bass is very good, very live, the treble sounds extended too me, but the midrange is just wow, very good tonally and at the same time very clear.

My hybrid amp gave some more atmosphere, like being in a small nightclub listening to Grant Green, but when I get my tube pre I expect that to come back, the SA-30 has much better resolution than my hybrid, that’s for sure.
    
The amp design looks real quality, very thick front, back and top plate, nothing ringing when you knock them, only tender knuckles ;-)

A very faint hum can be heard if one puts the ear close to the amp, but the speakers are dead quiet with full output on the pre.

It does get very warm though, so good ventilation is important.