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First foray into Class A amp -- recommendations

Thinking of checking out a Class A(or quasi) amp just to see if the sound is really better than a nice Class A/B amp. I want to buy a used amp and my budget is $2500-3000. My current class A/B amp is a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe, rev. A.

I've been looking at a lot of amps here on A'gon and what I have come up with so far is the Krell KSA-200S, which, from what I read in reviews, operates largely in Class A into 8 ohm loads up to 200 wpc.

Considering that my McCormack is a pretty decent amp, do you expect that the Krell would offer a significant upgrade in my priority areas of bass slam and control, mid range transparency, and natural high frequencies? I also welcome any other suggestions or ideas. Thanks!
mtrot

Showing 2 responses by jdoris

jdoris
972 posts
 
I have a Pass INT-30A, and love it. It's ain't going anywhere. But to some extent, I think watts is watts, and 30 ain't a ton (respectfully disagreeing with those who say the effective watts of the Pass 30s are a lot higher). I'd be hesitant about your Legacies; I have a bud who is a legacy nut, and they seem to want power (which is how Bill W. auditions them, at least when I was at the factory). I used to run the 92db Montana EPS2s, which I loved, but they Pass wasn't really up to it. (I now use 97db Vaughns, with powered bass, to better effect, though I'm not persuaded they are intrinsically better than the Montanyies.)

For all things Pass, check out Mark at Reno HiFi, who is super helpful and has good deals.
jdoris
972 posts
 
Fair enough. Skkotb.

But I stand by my comment: If you have moderate or lower efficiency speakers, there's considerable risk the Pass 30s won't be showing their best. (Which, I suppose, is part of why Pass sells many more powerful, and expensive! ;), amps.

If the OP is after "Class A" sound, his issue may not be how the 30s measure in A/B.

Of course, YMMV.

Cheers,

J
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