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Looking for THE amp to anchor my system, Krell, Plinius or maybe a D

Ok guys, this is likely a dead horse issue but I'm at a crossroads and needing some advise. I've been out of the 2 channel game for a very long time, having owned vintage Krell gear way back. I sold all and made my way into the HT realm. But keeping up with the Jones got stupid and I've paired down to a simple AV receiver and streamers and decided it was time to get back into a nice 2 channel listening system again. What I already have is a used set of Usher CP8571 Dancers, Marantz SACD player, Cary C306 pre and an original turntable (never sold my Rega table-no one seemed that interested then, but that isn't a factor at this time, since the Cary doesn't have a phono section anyway, so it'll sit until I decide what to do with it and all my vinyl. .
 
I'm currently using a friends old Ayre V-3 amp to run my system (very nice) but while it sounds ok with the rest of the system, it doesn't have the umph the Ushers like. I auditioned the speakers through a Krell EVO 402e through a Hovland tube pre that took my breath away.I bought the only thing in the package I could afford at the time-the Ushers.

I figured I could get 75% of the 402e out of a 302e or 2250e but those are scarce and on the cusp of my $3K buget for this amp purchase. I've turned to the Plinius HT-301 or Kiokio range as they are supposed to be very Krell like. The others I've considered but not heard are (in now particualr order) Classe CA-2300, Sanders Magtech, Innersound DPR, Dreadnaught (I, II, III, IV), Ayre V-5 (or V-6) and even a Spectron Musician. I have even looked at the interesting fare of D-Class ICE and nCore type amps and I'm intrigued but being old school I'm not completely sold in spite of all the rave reviews. I am trying to stay open minded though.

All of these amps are in and around the price range with the Krells pushing the envelop. I can't touch a 402 or any of the FPBs nor any MBL, PASS, Vitus, PS Audio or other exotics so this is where I have settled. I also need it to be powerful, 200WPC min. (I know the Ayre is rated lower but it seems to push beyond its rating) which kind of eliminates pretty much all tube amps-but I'm a SS guy anyway.

So there you have it. I know the Krell works so that is my point of reference, but finding one in my price is tough so while I know the right way to do this is to listen, listen and listen some more but that isn't the easiest thing to do as there just aren't very many high end shops in my area. So any advise or direction based on your experience is highly appreciated, as I just don't have the funds to "try" and see how it goes.
killerklown
killerklown OP
13 posts
 
@glennewdick,
Been on all of them and have been keeping my eye on any that looked like they would fit the bill, but got met with some ridiculous responses. One guy said I have to offer "Significantly more to cover any additional costs" just to ship from an east coast state to Ontario! 
How ridiculous!
killerklown OP
13 posts
 
The more I look around the more I may be swaying to the dark side. D-Class sure isn't what it used to be. Although still seems like a dirty word, I heard a set of Merrill monos at a friend of a friends place on the weekend (although what he said he paid seems unreasonably priced too me, mind you). The sound was unreal. I had to do a double take at those 2 tiny boxes and what they brought to the party! 
killerklown OP
13 posts
 
@timlub 
I would totally be into a DIY amp, the trick is finding the module(s) that fit the bill for what I want and that isn't any easier it seems. 
corvette01
99 posts
 
How about a pair of Emotiva Xpa-1 monos?The best-no!Good,I think so!I have a pair that powered my Thiel 3.7's very nicely,and now I use them on my B&W 805 diamonds.Ive had nothing but good times with my xpa1 amps and use them daily.You could get brand new with a warranty and save some💰Just a thought?

spenrock
24 posts
 
The Classe amps are excellent amps, the used CA-2300 you mention should fit your budget.  Even new, they are a great value in my opinion.  I believe the CA-2300 was still made in Canada.

If you are still considering digital, another option is a used NAD Master Series M2.  The M2 however, is more of a digital Power DAC (i.e. DAC/Pre/Power), but it does have two analog inputs: one RCA set, and one balanced set.  The analog inputs will be converted to digital signals due to the design.  It is rated at 250Wpc.  The new technology is somewhat novel, eliminating the gain stages found in typical Integrated amps, giving a very clean signal path.  Absolutely black background and exceptional dynamics. It should sell for around US $2500+ (MSRP $6000).

I own the M2 and a Classe CA-301 (previous model to the CA-2300), so obviously I'm biased.  However, I own them because I feel they are more than worth it.
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