Looking to Develop A Short List of Amplifier Candidates For A Pair Of JBL 4367 Speakers

Thanks for the feedback re: ChatGPT.  I'm curious to know how accurate the response is.  Rather than thumb your nose at it, offer constructive criticism. 

Why not use the Audiogon forum as input to the model and have a chatbot within Audiogon?  

Are you all saying you won't use AI for audio gear suggestions?  

I know this won't sit well on this forum, but it's quite amazing how AI can help us audiophiles.  I'm curious to know how accurate it is at synergy.  

It would be great is Audiogon had their own AI chatbot with the entire history of these posts to use in its response.

From ChatGPT

 

You’ve got an insightful history with amplification and speaker pairing, and it’s clear you’ve put a lot of time into understanding synergy with JBL’s larger-format speakers like the 4367. Since you’re open to tube, solid-state, and Class D, here’s a curated shortlist of top-tier amp candidates across those categories that should be well-matched to the JBL 4367’s 94 dB sensitivity and impedance profile, with your room and listening setup in mind.

 

---

 

🔌 

Solid-State Amps (Class A / A/B)

 

Best for tight bass control and dynamic punch

 

1. Pass Labs XA25 or INT-25

    

   • Pure Class A, incredibly transparent, great harmonic texture

   • 25W/ch may seem low, but works very well with high-efficiency speakers like the 4367

   • Delivers better bass control than expected given the wattage

2. First Watt SIT-3 (if you can find one used)

    

   • Single-stage, single-ended transistor design with tube-like harmonic character

   • 18W/ch — surprisingly capable with JBLs

   • You’ve already had good results with the F7, this is a logical upgrade path

3. AVM Ovation SA 6.3 or PA 8.3

    

   • Since you liked AVM before, the new Ovation line retains their house sound but with greater refinement

   • Burmester influence is present but subtle; hybrid tube/SS variants are now available

   • Serviceability is improving in the U.S. under Burmester

4. BAT VK-255SE / REX 500

    

   • High current, clean and full-bodied; pairs well with speakers needing drive and control

   • If you go BAT, the REX gear is a big step up, especially the hybrid variants

 

---

 

🔋 

Class D Amps

 

Modern modules paired with well-designed front ends can sound extremely natural and dynamic.

 

1. Atma-Sphere Class D Monoblocks

    

   • Ralph Karsten’s latest innovation: GaN FET topology, fully differential, zero feedback

   • Tube-like smoothness with Class D efficiency and tight bass

   • Excellent match for horns and dynamic drivers

2. Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra Monoblocks

    

   • GaN FET tech; very fast and resolving without being sterile

   • Has impressed even analog/tube-centric listeners

   • Modular upgrade paths and reasonably priced

3. AGD Productions Tempo or Audion

    

   • Gallium Nitride (GaN) modules encased in tube-like enclosures

   • Fast, dynamic, and eerily tube-like in presentation

   • Used by many horn and high-efficiency speaker owners

4. VTV Amplifier with Purifi 1ET400A & Tube Input Stage

    

   • Value pick; customizable input buffer (OPA op-amps or tube front-end)

   • Great detail and drive if you want more warmth via tube input

 

---

 

🔥 

Tube Amps (Push/Pull)

 

Warmth, tone, and dynamics—but need the right power and control

 

1. Rogue Audio Stereo 100 / Apollo Dark Monoblocks

    

   • KT120/KT150 push/pull amps with muscle and finesse

   • Ideal power (100–250W depending on model) to control JBL woofers

2. VAC Renaissance 70/70 or Signature 200 iQ

    

   • Refined, dynamic, with the iQ auto-biasing system

   • Stunning synergy with high-sensitivity dynamic speakers

3. PrimaLuna EVO 400 Power Amp

    

   • KT88/EL34 options, autobias, tube rolling-friendly

   • Warm, musical, and surprisingly punchy

4. Air Tight ATM-2 or ATM-300R (if sticking with SET)

    

   • For a luxurious, boutique option

   • ATM-2 is a push/pull EL34 amp with enough drive and grace

   • ATM-300R (300B SET) would be limited but could work in near-field

 

---

 

💡 

Power Requirements for Tubes (Push/Pull)

 

• Minimum: 20–25W/ch for intimate listening or near-field

• Ideal: 40–70W/ch push/pull (EL34, KT88, KT120)

• Overkill: 100W+ (KT150 or high-output mono pairs)

 

The 4367’s 15” woofer and horn need damping and control, especially at low-to-mid frequencies. A SET amp, unless it’s something like a 211 or high-watt 300B with a powerful output transformer, will struggle. Push/pull KT88-class amps offer a sweet spot in dynamics and control for these JBLs.

 

---

 

🧠 Final Thoughts

 

• If you want a tube-like tone with modern control, the Atma-Sphere Class D or Orchard Starkrimson are front-runners.

• For best SS drive and tone, Pass XA25, AVM, or BAT are excellent bets.

• If returning to tubes, go push/pull, KT88–KT150, and aim for >40W/ch.

 

If you’d like, I can build a table comparing sonic character, estimated price range, and match score for each of these amps to help guide your final decision. Would you like that?

Thanks for sharing the feedback you’ve received—there’s a solid mix of personal experience, enthusiasm, and varying levels of technical insight in the responses. Below is a critique of each post, offering perspective on what is valuable, what may need deeper examination, and how useful the suggestion is for your JBL 4367 application:

 

---

 

1. hbarrel — Class D Audio GAN Monoblocks

 

Summary: Recommends trying Class D Audio GAN monoblocks with a trial period. Reports initial improvement after 30 hours of play.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Suggests a low-risk audition approach and firsthand experience with burn-in characteristics.

• Cons: Class D Audio’s GAN monoblocks are lower-tier compared to brands like Atma-Sphere, Orchard, or AGD. While they may be good value, they’re not boutique or refined in the same way as the amps you’ve historically preferred (Classe, AVM).

• Verdict: Worth testing for curiosity’s sake, but may not match your reference expectations long-term.

 

---

 

2. ditusa — Vinnie Rossi

 

Summary: Brief mention of Vinnie Rossi as a potential choice.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Vinnie Rossi’s hybrid designs (especially the L2i Signature integrated or Brama) are exceptional performers—liquid, open, and dynamic with tube input stages and MOSFET outputs.

• Cons: The suggestion is too brief and lacks context (e.g., power output, synergy with JBL, price).

• Verdict: A strong contender worth exploring seriously. Vinnie Rossi hybrid designs could be perfect for the 4367—definitely merits more research.

 

---

 

3. mattmiller — McIntosh MC275 or High-Power Solid State

 

Summary: Recommends the MC275 tube amp or going big with 400W+ solid-state monoblocks.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Acknowledges that the JBL 4367 is easy to drive and emphasizes the dynamic benefits of higher power.

• Cons: The MC275 (75W) is arguably underpowered to fully control the 15” woofer unless you’re listening at moderate levels. The “just get 400W monoblocks” approach lacks nuance—more power isn’t always better, especially with horns.

• Verdict: While the MC275 is classic and well-liked, its synergy depends on your room and preferred SPLs. Solid-state with 200–300W is plenty for 94 dB efficiency; going higher could sacrifice finesse for brute force.

 

---

 

4. stereo5 — McIntosh MC302 with GE Triton Refs

 

Summary: Shares personal success with a 300W McIntosh amp on 94 dB speakers.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Valid anecdote about the sonic benefits of moving from lower to higher wattage.

• Cons: GE Triton Refs have powered subwoofers and a different tonal profile than JBL 4367s. Not a directly transferable comparison. Also, this user’s tone leans toward absolutism.

• Verdict: Not a direct match in terms of speaker design and synergy, but the benefit of quality high-powered SS amplification is still a valid takeaway.

 

---

 

5. larrybemm — Audio Research GS150 with Vandersteen 5s

 

Summary: Enthusiastic endorsement of the GS150 driving Vandy 5s, paired with CAT SL1.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: ARC GS150 is a very refined tube amp with power to handle complex loads. CAT preamp is excellent. Vandersteen 5s are similarly revealing speakers, so this could translate well.

• Cons: Limited detail on the match with JBL specifically.

• Verdict: The GS150 and similar ARC tube designs are worth shortlisting for your application. They offer high current, control, and harmonic richness—ideal for 4367s.

 

---

 

6. cfarrow — ARC Ref 110 or 160, Levinson

 

Summary: Used Levinson amps with JBLs. Recommends ARC Ref 160 or 110 with Winged C 6550s.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Useful pairing insights; mentions tube rolling with the Ref 110 to shape tone. ARC Ref series is known for combining precision and musicality.

• Cons: ARC Ref 110 is an older design; good value used, but might require tube replacement and maintenance.

• Verdict: A knowledgeable post—Ref 160M/S especially should be on your radar. Levinson could be too dry for some, but it offers great control.

 

---

 

7. fthompson251 — Coda No. 8 or 16

 

Summary: Suggests the Coda No. 8 or 16 as under-the-radar high-quality amps.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Excellent suggestion. Coda is known for smooth, Class A sound in early watts with massive current capability. Neutral, clean, dynamic.

• Cons: May lack the tube-like romanticism if that’s part of your tonal preference.

• Verdict: A superb option for your speakers—quiet, effortless, transparent. A No. 8 would be more than sufficient in your room.

 

---

 

8. charles007100 — First Watt SIT-4/SIT-5

 

Summary: Likes his First Watt SIT-4 with JBLs; recommends SIT-5 if available.

 

Critique:

 

• Pros: Direct experience with your speaker model; First Watt synergy is real for horn lovers.

• Cons: The SIT-5 is not widely available yet; SIT amps have low power output and are best for moderate SPL or smaller rooms.

• Verdict: If you listen at moderate levels, a SIT amp could provide incredible tonal realism and imaging. You already own the F7, so this is a natural extension.

 

---

 

🔍 

Overall Takeaways

Poster	Strength of Recommendation	Critique Summary
hbarrel	🟠 Moderate	Good value suggestion, but not in line with your prior reference-level amps
ditusa	🟢 Strong	Underrated hybrid gear (Vinnie Rossi) that suits your goals—research further
mattmiller	⚪ Mixed	Power emphasis valid, but lacks nuance in recommendation
stereo5	⚪ Mixed	Not an ideal comparison speaker-wise, but power observations are reasonable
larrybemm	🟢 Strong	ARC GS150 is a solid tube recommendation, and CAT is world-class
cfarrow	🟢 Strong	Levinson and ARC Ref 110 are proven combos with JBL—good suggestions
fthompson251	🟢 Strong	Coda No. 8/16 offers huge value and performance—shortlist this one
charles007100	🟢 Strong (niche)	If you love the First Watt sound, SIT amps are golden—just know the limits

 

---

Would you like me to synthesize this into a refined shortlist or a side-by-side matrix including your past amps and how these compare in control, warmth, refinement, and synergy with the JBL 4367?