2. amps-preamps
  3. 194567-184121

Interim SS Amp - Likely Candidates?

Due to an upcoming move and renovation in our new home I am looking for a short term replacement amp fhat could be a suitable stand in for my beloved First Watt F8 amp. The rest of my system consists of a Modwright LS99 tube preamp, Volti Razz speakers, Aurender N200 streamer, Schitt Yggy LIM DAC plus a Modwright PH 9.0. tube phono stage and a ClearAudio Concept turntable with an AT- ART9XI cartridge.  Most of my listening is on the digital side. 

Short term based on the limited space my system will reside in ,the First Watt can’t play a part due to size of the space and the heat issue with this Class A.  Good news is that my Volti speakers are highly efficient and I will not need a big power amp.  Also as we renovate I am looking at the ideal space and layout for my system that will include the First Watt F8.  

I want to go with a solid-state amp as the combination of this with my Modwright LS99 is magic.  Looking to spend $2,500- $3,000 and will be open to used or new.  So far I have been thinking of Class AB or D offerings.  I am totally open to suggestions at this point.  Below are a few of the candidates that might fill my need and work well with my other components.  I do realize that each amp will bring a different "flavor" from my First Watt F8. 

  • Orchard Starkrimson 25 Mono premiums (new)
  • Parassound A21+ Halo (used)
  • Primare A35.2 (used)
  • Bell Canto 501 Monoblocks 

Help me out with thoughts on the above and other potential amps!  Many thanks in advance........ 

norust
mrdecibel
3,123 posts
 

Do not laugh. Purchase a 2nd hand Nuforce STA200. Cheap and musical....

kofibaffour
290 posts
 

@norust your friend likes you. Get the AHB2

jl35
4,180 posts
 

Many love the Benchmark and many dislike it ... better listen first ...not sure the Parasounds are either smaller or cooler than the First Watt ...I had the F7 and the A21, but not at the same time

mrdecibel
3,123 posts
 

Or find a pair and use them to passively vertical bi-amp your Razz. A great alternative to what everyone is suggesting, and preferable, ime. My best, MrD. 

yyzsantabarbara
5,074 posts
 

I have owned the Parsound A21+ and liked it though I thought it was a little thick. A good amp for a bright speaker.

My recommendation is the Schitt Wotan at $2k. I consider it as good as a couple of $8k SS amps I owned in the past. The Wotan has tremendous bass like the A21+, it is much cleaner on top.

It does need about 2 months of heavy play for the top end gremlins to completely go away. I have listened to this amp with the Yggi+ LIM | MIB | OG on Magnepan Mini speakers. 

BTW - over the past decade I have bought and sold the AHB2 about 6 times. I was doing a lot of audio swapping then. The AHB2 was replaced by the Wotan because the AHB2 is not great with Maggies. The AHB2 is a bit cleaner on top over the Wotan, but that is usually the case for ALL amps compared with the AHB2. The Wotan has a lot more power and grunt that the AHB2 cannot deliver. I love the AHB2 since it is such a unique sounding amp. 

More to discover