What’s the most badass $2k amp I can get?


I want a super awesome amp. New or used. I have a fully balanced DAC and Pre so xlr balanced inputs would be nice, plus I have a nice pair of xlr just lying around. Also, I’m a sucker for meters. What should I get? It’s a bedroom system, not a big room appx 12x12
Speakers: Sierra 2ex  (86db sensitivity)
Streamer: Node2i
dac: gungnir multibit
pre: Freya+ (w killer NOS tubes!)


andrewkelley
How about an Inner Sound electrostatic f300 Poweramp? If you go to the Sanders sound systems website you can read the review from absolute sound. That would be within your budget and a killer amp. It would drive any speaker with loads of Headroom.
A bit above your budget, the Musical Fidelity M6s PRX at $2699 is an absurdly good value for a new amp.  MF is a great value and I find the sound profile to be a bit more musical and engaging than Parasound.  230w is a massive amount of power.  It will drive your speakers easily.  Full disclosure, I am an MF dealer.  PM me if you want to discuss that amp.  

Used, see if you can find a Rogue Hydra or Medusa.  They should be in that price range and are brilliant.  I have a Hydra and have rolled in Cifte NOS tubes and it is spectacular for the money.  The Hydra is 100w at 8 ohms and will double output down to 2 ohms.  The Medusa is 200w and will double output flown to 2 ohms. 

I am am not sure if Kevin still has them but Upscale Audio used to have a used unit in stock from the Rogue.  

Vincent also has a really nice amp in this price range.  Can’t remember the model off hand.  


Last year I purchased a pair of Cary CAD 500MB monoblocks for just a touch over your limit -  500 wpc into 8 ohms and 1000 wpc into 4 ohms.  Very nice sound too....read the 10Audio review.  
There is an LSA Statement integrated on US Audiomart for about $1800. Tube preamp stage with a very high quality amplifier section. Get the one with the Exemplar upgrades. The preamp section can be bypassed and use just the amplifier section. A really good piece of gear. The preamp section in it is very good and it also has built in phono stage. 
I agree with audioman58
Audia Flight FL Three S Integrated Amplifier 

I was selling a my audio research gsi75 intergraded amp, and had packed it up. My deal for my new (to me) 160m mono blocks was going to take a few more weeks and my local audio store offered me this unit as a loaner to see what I thought of it.  OMG the sound stage on this intergraded amp was amazing. Bass was better than any amp I have had in my system. Very nice mids and not fatiguing at all. 

A dealer has one brand new for $2495.00 on audiogon.  If I was looking in this price range, I would own this intergraded amp. 
The one I-had in my home was bought by a buddy of mine that came by and heard It in my setup.  
I really think this amp is one that you should at least look at. 
For Solid state the Very high end Audia flight precision built in Italy. This integrated is $4k ,but on Audiogon you can possibly get it for around $2200 it is a great amplifier and very vacuum tube like in many ways.
First question ,most important,
what speakers are you using,, and their efficiency. Then you can say here are choices for most wpc is not the best 
audio Flight ,great hand built Amplifiers from Italy Solid State very high current 
$4k integrated ,on Audio gone you can get for maybe $2200. This refined detailed sound . I owned a audio store
for years synergy counts ,you start by listing your whole system , just amplifier 
or maybe a integrated amp,vacuum tube, solid state, class D ?
helloAndrew for  maybe less then $2k they have very powerfullmonoblocks 120wpc tube transformers are direct coupled to the outputs a ton of power 
call underwoood wally  free shipping 
and a bunch off $$ for Xmas. It would sound Great. Trust me on this one.
@audioman58  I like the look of the jolida, but I’m not sure it’s powerful enough at 60wpc. I also really only need an amp and that’s and integrated 
I’m waiting for delivery of a Jolida 6802. They can be had for a very good price. It’s something you could look into. I’m quite anxious to receive mine.
A used Anthem P2, it can drive any speaker and it runs cool even at full power.
If you are into the purity of Vacuum tubes. Th e new Jolida Black ice
series is Very good  sounding 
 sound solid state can duplicate or beat unless you spend much more monies.
I’m quite happy with my NAD M22v2.  A used one might be slightly more than 2K.
I too recommend the Parasound A-21. I have the A-21/P5 combo and it’s a very nice Amp for the money. I doubt you’d be disappointed.

https://youtu.be/D6_6hNuOuJc

How about a pair of Wyred 4 Sound SX1000R mono blocks they can be had for under 2k second hand. 1000 watts each. That ought to drive you out of that 12 foot square room in a hurry! No subs needed. That's pretty bad ass!
Harmon Kardon Citation XX.  Best Solid State amp I have ever heard.

Happy Listening
Time to join the 21st Century with Ric Schultz EVS 1200 (see my thread).

It’s a phenomenal amp that should drive your speakers with no issues, and it only comes one way BALANCED

30 day money back guarantee
Lux M 700 ? Altho you might need to raise budget a little Ive seen these for sale s/h at good prices. 
They are awesome ( will look nice w the Freya + too)
There’s a McCormack DNA-2 Deluxe available on EBay for $2100.  Puts out 300Wpc into 8 Ohms and 600Wpc into 4 Ohms.  Is that badass enough?  Oh, and it’s an awesome amp too. 


My Thor are 87 db, so i know you will need power, maybe not pure class A, but certainly A/B. 
Here is my pick.
LM 501A, has 4 Big bad boys The KT120's,, and right at your  budget,,but you'll have to add in $350 ship fees.
She's a beaute,,if i did not have this jadis Defy7, i'd go for the LM 501A. as 1st choice.  
Offers only 1 AU, make ita  Philips SQ E80CC, for AX's go with Shugaung of any of your fav NOS, The 6SN, you have plenty of great choices, either NOS or Shugaung. 
rated
~~~100 watts~~, hefty beast at near 80 lbs. 
I think has a pre in, so you can employ your pre, or sell it. as the pre in the LM may top yours.
 
I saw you were interested in the Aegir on your other thread. 
Your speakers are fairly demanding. Rated at 8 ohms nominal, impedance does hover around 4ohms at the upper bass to mids. 80W (Aegir) would be the minimum amp to use. Aegir monoblocks should work, especially in your small room.


Why not get pair of Schiit’s Aegir to complete the setup? At least you know the synergy between Aegir and your existing pre / DAC would be super awesome 😎 
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