Five amps that you want to try at home?


Only fools buy an expencive amp without trying it at home,
first, someone said. That might be right, but I for my part,
sometimes get tired of the many offerings, there are!
As I am interested in alternatives to the wellknown, great
brands, and belive, after hearing some Krell, Levinson,
Pass amps, that -however clever they may be, there is
a real risk that you have to pay some extra dollars just
for the name, and may I add, status that some of us are sensitive to, if you buy them.
So, if you agree with me that there is a fair chance to find
a product that is, let me say... very competitive, among
the less known brands, and the miracle occur: you are offered to listen to and compere a maximum of five amps in your home,and that you will be allowed to keep these amps for say..two weeks,which ones do you choose? I am the first to admitt that it´s a totally hypotetic question, (but on the other hand wouldn´t it be nice if there was a possibility of renting amps?)
As I live in Europe, your list and mine will probably differ,but being polite,so please begin!I´ll come back later.
Also, please tell us why your choses are interesting to you
what you aim at, and what you expect from them!
Regards
Håkan Ståhl
Sweden
dinos

Showing 1 response by patmatt

My five amps in no particular order:

1)The Kora Mono Blocks
Because........I heard them at the show in New York recently and was completely enthralled with their performance driving a pair of Gershman Opera Sauvage and Avant Gardes. Wild design, great conversation piece, and can compensate for your heating system on those cold winter nights of listening.

2)Gryphon Mono Blocks
Because........Heard these at the above mentioned show driving a serious looking pair of Dynaudio speakers and was knocked for a loop by a company I had never heard of. Great looking gear, too! (Why not at these prices?)

3)KR Enterprises Mono Blocks
Because........any amp that takes as much abuse from Stereophile as these amps did during their review period are probably outstanding and deserve a listen.

4)Electrocompaniet NEMO Mono Blocks
Because...... they are the reference standard...the pinnacle...the flag bearer and my all time favorite regardless of price. Also, they are beautiful to gaze at.

That's it. I can't think of a fifth that isn't REALLY COMMERCIAL. So you have it.

Cheers!