SS Amp Choices


I presently have a First Watt F8 and was beginning the process of looking at a few Solid State Class AB amps that I could utilize in my system, giving me additional power and flexibility with future speaker choices - running Zu DW 6 Supremes at this time.   I would be pairing the amp with my Modwright LS 100.  Price wise the range for new/used would be $3 - 4K.  My research to date has uncovered the following possibilities -  NIB Van Alstine DVA Set 500, NIB Benchmark AHB2, and a lightly used Anthem P2. I have seen a few Pass 150.8 amp offerings but these are top of my range plus for used.   I realize there are many choices available and wanted to get some thoughts from this group.  Note I will likely keep my F8 as I am attached to it.  

norust

Thanks all for your responses and recommendations.  I will have time to review them over the holiday weekend.  One other potential amp that a friend had brought up that is in the $ range for a lightly used amp - McIntosh MC 152.  

@soix - I liked the recommendation on the McCormack but it was for local pickup.  The Plinius looks very clean and I bet sounds awesome.  I know how much heat my F8 puts out in a smaller audio closet and would be concerned with this in the space.  I will look into this factor a bit more.  

The Kinki studio EX-M1 is an amazing amp. Worth looking into, I had one for a short time, I should have kept it.

If your speaker can do Pass X25 this is my first choice. I heard the fiirst watt and x25 from my friend system, I prefer the x25. You can’t go wrong on Plinius and Krell.

OP some great choices here.  Please consider Odyssey Audio, Indianapolis, IN.

I've been running the Kismet amp for about a year ... I can't create a scenario where I will ever be rid of it.  Simply sublime, built well ... and within your budget.

 

You won’t go wrong with the Van Alstine. My friend uses the DVA SET 500 with his Harbeths and it is outstanding. BTW, if the Van Alstine isn't to your liking you can return it with full refund!

I liked the SST Son of Ampzilla 2 better than the AVA Set 500 in my Von Schweikert VR-4/ Audible Illusions rig. I see the Music Room has a used one on sale for 2 grand. YMMV

Since you like your F8 I thought this Plinius Class A amp might be worth mentioning as it has a low-bias mode so you can leave it on without killing your electric bill…
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650105469-plinius-sa-103-class-amps-amazing-powerful-class-a/

Here’s a McCormack DNA 225 that’s well below your price range but is a great amp that’ll power just about anything you throw at it…
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650106356-mccormack-dna-225-power-amplifier/

Best of luck.

Check out Magnus Audio. The are made in California. I have the MA400 from them & it's wonderful. I suspect they make a few models in your price range. They also occasionally come up used.