High Current Monoblocks

Thanks everyone. Jax--I have spoken with Lou a number of times about amp matching for my DA-1.1's. As you say, he really likes the new Modwright and he is also a fan of the Clayton's and the Parasound JC-1's. The problem is that none of these amps meet certain practical requirements that I must adhere to. Whatever amps I choose either have to fit inside my entertainment center (ideal) or on the floor behind my speakers (less ideal but if physically small this would work). The amps Lou recommends are either to large or run too hot (or both). The best bet for me would be a small switching amp that runs really cool but the problem is there don't seem to be many (any?) that put out the kind of current my DA-1.1's like to see. I've given some thought to the Bel Canto Ref 1000mkii's, the CIAudio M500mkii's (neither put out serious current) and even the Monarchy S70Pros (which run hot but are physically smallish) but none of these are ideal. I've even thought of the Odyssey Monos built in the smaller case but these, I'm told, run pretty warm as well.

So I feel like space and design limitations are making this very difficult. I'm currently using an ARC 150.2 which is a Tripath switching amp--it sounds very good but only puts out 20amps of current according to ARC specs. While this amp would be a great choice in many systems (it drove my Harbeth Compact 7's wonderfully) Lou feels it is not really giving me the best that the DA-1.1's have to offer. Also, while I've enjoyed the 150.2 I can't resist the notion that I may be able to get better sound from more advanced switching technology or going with a Class A or tube design. I also have to keep system matching in mind so whatever I get has to be driven properly by my LS26 (therefore not a too low an input impedence).

At the end of the day, what I think I want are:

1. Physically small monoblocks that run cool but put out gobs of current and can fit side by side on a regular 19" rack shelf; or

2. A stereo amp that meets the same criteria above; or

3. Physically small monoblocks (tube or solid state--heat not a factor) that can fit on the floor behind my speakers.

All of the above should be NEUTRAL in sonic character, have serious control of the bottom end and be musically correct in presentation.

My own lack of expertise may be keeping me from seeing available options so I'd really appreciate hearing back.

Jax--thanks for the link. I get so "glazy" when I read these things. Yikes, maybe I'm not cut out for this hobby! Not to speak for Lou but my impression is that his current (pardon the pun) favorite amp for the Daedalus line is the Modwright, while the Claytons are a close second. The JC-1's were something he recommended a while back for his older designs--I'm not sure he would put them in the same category now.

Why do I need a high current design? Great question! I'm a little perplexed as well since the DA-1.1's are very efficient (as noted by Tvad) and do not, as far as I'm aware, present a difficult impedance dip (though I do not have specs on this). My understanding about amplifier matching is based primarily on my conversations with Lou who seems to prefer high current designs. Maybe I'm getting too hung up on this criteria, which I do not really understand fully. Also, I'm generally agree with Brauser about staying in the family to avoid problems with synergy. I thought about the new ARC SD135, which puts out 60amps of current, but amps like the Claytons, even at 50wpc Class A, put out 100amps. This is all a bit of a mystery to me and, unfortunately, I'm not in a position to listen to a whole bunch of amps to really discern for myself whether the pursuit of "high current" is really all that important relative to other qualities of an amplifier. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.