2. amps-preamps
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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 nglazer

nglazer
845 posts
 
Spanking aside, 35 years of audiophilia, my own tastes and 6 years of "cohabitation" tell me Krell FPB 300cx, properly matched with the right cables and preamp, will more than hold its own with any amps near its price range, regardless of Class.

neal
nglazer
845 posts
 
You cannot just evaluate the cost of a product on the date of purchase. To test its true value, one must amortize its cost over its useful life. By that measure, my Krell FPB 300cx, though expensive on Day 1, has proven to be an excellent value. After 7 years of use 320 days a year, it has never had a hiccup, burp, mystery outage or any other type of malfunction. I have every reason to believe this reliability will continue for years to come. And I know there will be a company there to service it if something wears out. I don't have to worry if a German or Scandinavian mfr will still have a distributor in US or whether it can the amp can be serviced here.

And, BTW, it sounds great! It may not be to everyone"s liking, but it is to many, and has been for many years.

Neal
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