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:
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Pros: Suggests a low-risk audition approach and firsthand experience with burn-in characteristics.
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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).
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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:
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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.
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Cons: The suggestion is too brief and lacks context (e.g., power output, synergy with JBL, price).
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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:
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Pros: Acknowledges that the JBL 4367 is easy to drive and emphasizes the dynamic benefits of higher power.
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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.
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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:
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Pros: Valid anecdote about the sonic benefits of moving from lower to higher wattage.
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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.
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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:
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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.
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Cons: Limited detail on the match with JBL specifically.
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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:
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Pros: Useful pairing insights; mentions tube rolling with the Ref 110 to shape tone. ARC Ref series is known for combining precision and musicality.
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Cons: ARC Ref 110 is an older design; good value used, but might require tube replacement and maintenance.
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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:
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Pros: Excellent suggestion. Coda is known for smooth, Class A sound in early watts with massive current capability. Neutral, clean, dynamic.
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Cons: May lack the tube-like romanticism if that’s part of your tonal preference.
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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:
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Pros: Direct experience with your speaker model; First Watt synergy is real for horn lovers.
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Cons: The SIT-5 is not widely available yet; SIT amps have low power output and are best for moderate SPL or smaller rooms.
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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.
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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?
