Check out the McCormack DNA-1 deluxe for $2400. It's solid state and high power (185 watts).. very musical. I used this amp for a few years driving Thiel 2.2 with Sumiko ocos cables... great match. I sold it to my cousin who now uses it with martin logan SL3. I now have a all Naim active system... but that's another story...
Power Amp Suggestions
I'm in the process of selecting a used power amplifier to fit into my system. Currently, I have a Curcio-mod ST-70 which sounds wonderful within its 35W/channel limits. Unfortunately, it is trying to drive the less than 83dB/1W Eminent-Technology LFT-VIIIs which I love. Bruce Thigpen at E-T recommends an amp capable of 75-200 watts into 8 ohms for his babies. I thought the NYAL Moscode 300 (150w/channel) I have would be a good match, but wasn't. The preamp is an all-tube Cary SLP-30. The three components just did not sing well together. The E-Ts are very warm and while the bass was great, the midrange wasn't as good as the Curcio provides. So waht are my choices? I might be able to get away with a little less than the recommended power, given the size and liveliness of my room plus the levels I listen at. Some candidates I've considered: - ARC Classic 60 - Cary SLA-70 Signature - Sonic Frontiers SFA-75 (another Curcio design) - Sumo Andromeda III - Aragon 4004 II Has anyone had any experiences with these units that could be indicative of what I might expect in my system? Thanks in advance for any help! Steve Albers