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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
desktopguy
403 posts
 

I never managed to hear the bel canto 500Ms (not for lack of trying on the sparse used market)--but I did find a cherry pair of 600Ms. The main difference between them is that the 500Ms feature an older class D amp module, ICEPower vs the 600Ms using NCore.

More important the class D module used is the input stage and overall design & construction. I can only say good things about my 600Ms. They have a beautifully clear, but not at all sterile or edgy sound. They’re easily the best SS amps I’ve ever heard.

But ICEPower can be very nice, too. My first class d amp was the Wyred 4 Sound ST-500, a stereo amp based on an ICEPower module. It has a wonderfully musical sound. I kept it as a backup; it was so good to me for 3-4 years.

I’m guessing the bc 500Ms & W4S ST-500 would be roughtly equal in how hard or reasy they are to find used. You can’t go wrong with either IMHO.

norust OP
82 posts
 

I am appreciative of all the thoughtful suggestions and continuing to gain additional knowledge that helps narrow down my decision - definitely leaning to trying the Class D route at this point.  There are some solid options out there in my price range and the smaller footprint and lack of heat make it attractive.  

kim108's avatar
kim108
14 posts
 

  GaN class D amps  ANK or Class D Audio,, et. al.  would give you a small  form factor, very reasonable $$, new tech to compare with your Pass amp and  a big thumps up on Odyssey Audio fine amps. several friends have these  and I have several hours at THE Show in their room. I was going to pull the trigger on an amp preamp amp but my cancer got the money. Sorry Klaus,, I should have got the Odyssey system.

or an god all in one unit that you can put in the bedroom etc. like the  Advance Paris A10  

Have fun and happy listening

norust OP
82 posts
 

@kim108  your input & thumbs up on Odyssey is duly noted! Thanks... Interesting you mention Advance Paris as I did run across one of their used X-A160 power amps.  I am not at all familiar with Advance Paris as a brand so will do a deeper dive.  Sorry to hear about your cancer but it seems your sense of humor is doing great! 

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