Pure Class A shootout


Hi after doing a lot of research and listening, I think pure class A is still the way to go for me. I'm wondering if you have any opinions on the following amps and how they compare with each other:

1) Gryphon Colliseum (mono or stereo)
2) Gryphon Antileon Signature (mono or stereo)
3) Pass XA 160.5 or XA 200.5
4) Krell Evo 2

They will be powering Rockport Altair's or maybe Rockport Arrakis (still debating that one too).

I see a few dilemmas. For Krell, it seems like the spirit behind their products Dan D'Agostino is no longer with the firm and thus maybe their brand/lineup in the future may be compromised. Also, Krell's preamp reputation is not as good as their amplification. That's similar to Pass as well - great reputation on the amps but not as reputable on the pre-amps. Don't get offended as I'm only talking relative terms (i.e comparing products at very very lofty levels). For Gryphon, their amp and preamps are supposedly top notch, but right now the Euro is extremely strong vs the US$ and I'm thinking I should be picking up something American as it's more of a bargain. Gryphon + Rockport is a "formula" and I know I can't go wrong with it but I'm wondering if there are other options.

So I guess the question is:
1) Have anyone ever compared the best Pure Class A amps? How do they compare with one another? Yes I know they are all good at this level but unfortunately I have only listened to the Gryphons mated with Rockports.
2) Any other options that I should consider? No tubes please as I have no desire to mess with tubes.
3) Should I even compare/consider the older pure class A amps like the ML 33/33H? i.e are the new pure Class A leaps and bounds better than the older reference lines?

Thanks, -Isaac
changster

Showing 2 responses by kurt_tank

My friend uses the Rockport Antares, (great speakers, probably the best I've ever heard actually), and he uses the Lamm hybrid M2.2s. These are 220 wpc monoblock amps, with one 6922 tube in each, (so tube rolling is a snap). However, they are not full Class A amplifiers, although they are heavily biased into Class A, (i.e. the first 41 wpc are full Class A, and then from there it goes into Class B). So basically, only the really loud musical passages actually go into Class B.

The Antares are the predesscor to the Altairs, and based upon my friend's system, I doubt you should be going with anything less than 200 wpc, to be honest. And a 200 wpc full class A amp would be a beast. (And I agree with Drjoe, that they would be hotter than hell, as even the M2.2s will warm up the room a few degrees.)

My two cents worth anyway.

Good luck in your search.
Hey Changster,

You might want to look at this, if you are still considering Krell.

Possible good news for Krell Fans!

Cross your fingers, huh?!
:-)