@denydog they do sound very nice no matter A/B G/H nice little amplifiers.
Looking to downsize and for suggestions for amp(s)
I currently have a pair of Pass 260.8's and I am considering to start downsizing my main system. While I really like the amps, considering something a little more flexiable. I currently have them on platforms in front of my rack so they take a lot of real estate. Hoping for suggestions that might actually fit back in rack.
I curretnly use an ARC 5se with and I am not curretnly thinking about changing that or other sources or speakers, just the amps.
Mostly looking at SS amp(s) as I have felt that they usually mate pretty well with tube pre's.
Have a ML 23.5 in second system that I still really like, but that also requires a platform so that might be an upgrade to something a little smaller down the road.
Speakers are 87dB Shahinian Hawks, also not currently looking to change.
Thoughts? Suggestions?
@denydog They are not Class A/B but Class H-G dual rail. . |
I want to thank everyone for their suggestions. As I am hoping to put some coin back in my pockets for perhaps another upgrade down the road, I think I will look at something in the used market first. I had been a little suspecious of the ARC ss, but since I have never heard one, I think this should be my starting point. Taking a fast look at what is currently around something like this can be picked up so I can spend some time with it to make a determination on further direction (if any). Will let you know...
Thanx again |
The AGD are a pretty easy recommendation but, for what it is costing them in parts are at least 20% the best is R&D markup imo and I have heard 2 models both are good the model that looks like a tube is very clear but a bit light in the bass .you have to go to the $11500 monos to get the whole package , the Atma sphere is probably a better bargain . everything improves with technologies ,I am still waiting onRalph to come out with a upgraded model ,it’s several years old . Even AGD has had several evolutions and is module , these are all question that can be perplexing. |
Big Pass Labs fanboy here… I simplified my system couple of weeks ago. Good luck! |
@ghdprentice +1 |
+1 for@laginz. I acquired a used SST Son II as an interim move towards perhaps mono blocks, but I am so pleased with it that I am staying with it. It is sonically really good, quite compact and biased to approximately 10 watts Class A. They drive my ATC’s really well. Simple box, but a great-sounding amp. As an aside, I had a long conversation with James Bongiorno about the amp design shortly before he died. He was in a partnership with Wyred for Sound to finish the amp. I built the original Ampzilla in 1975. I have taken the cover off and replaced shorted rail fuses (my bad) and the internals are quite tidy. |
You have really nice amps that provide the power you need for your 87dB speakers, and that you like the sound of. Is it really necessary to change? They are not Class A so there shouldn’t be too much heat and it seems they would do fine in an open air type rack. Unless you are moving to Class D, I doubt you are going to make a meaningful sonic improvement or even a lateral move with a smaller sized amplifier. I don’t see your system so it is harder to comment but you could try a different rack, downsize the number of boxes in your front end (i.e., if digital, look at Grimm MU2 or similar) and keep the amps. Unless you plan to quit listening, why give up something you really like. |
I don't know about the Hawks but I once had Obelisks which sounded terrible with my 300wpc expensive power amp. I later heard them with a smaller McCormack amp and they were so good I regretted selling mine. The guy demonstrating indicated that the Shahinians were particularly sensitive to different amps and didn't work well with all. So if the Hawks are the same be careful which amp you eventually buy. |
Going used Audio Research is a great value proposition. I switched to Audio Research SS D240 MKII. There are many models around this design. Its fully balanced dual mono configuration offers highly musical (full range) transparent and powerful audio. Until recently, I was driving PMC MB2SE and they sound great from bass mids to highs. Like a few others have said here going Audio Research, and I’ve come from Pass XA25, Esoteric F05, Line Magnetic 518ia, and Krell, AR is the best overall sound I’ve heard in my systems. |
Then maybe a stereo version. I used Pass amps for decades. Although once I heard an Audio Research Ref tube amp in my system (with ARC Ref 5SE at the time) solid state was out forever. My listening sessions went form less than an hour to more than two. I am sorry I hadn’t made the change years before… but better now in retirement than never. Also, not surprisingly, ARC preamps mate spectacularly well with ARC tube amps. |
@stevea11757 Wrote:
I would move the mono amps in back of the speakers, to save real estate and keep the speaker cables very short 12'' or less. Mike |
I love my Audionet amps, I have both Maxs and Heisenbergs, but they are large. For a small SS amp that i found amazing checkout WestmisterLab: https://www.westminsterlab.com/rei
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