2. amps-preamps
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Favorite SS Amp?

And the search continues. I am always looking for better. I currently have a pair of Dali Euphonia MS-4's which I love. I am using a Sherbourn 7/2100 which is a fine amp but not exactly what I am looking for. Ideally I am looking to go back to just 2 channel. Based on size and WAF constraints, I am limited to a stereo amp that will be in a cabinet so heat will be a consideration, although the bottom shelf could conceivably have 5-6 inches above it for heat dissipation if I went to a Class A amplifier. Budget is a consideration. Really not looking to spend much over 3-4K used. High current and respectable power would be a plus. Sonic signature is very important and big soundstage as well. Thanks in advance for all of your good input.

Good Listening,

Steve Bachman
Phoenix, AZ
sbachman
indihka
4 posts
 
Sonicly, The surprise answer for me was the Pass X-600's. Nuetral, effortless, sweet and extended as well as beautifull transparency. From a 600 watt amp? You bet!
ackman00
67 posts
 
If you have a chance, take a listen to a Mark Levinson 334 (Stereophile review Sept. '99). They can be had here on audiogon for $2500-$3500.
karmapolice's avatar
karmapolice
254 posts
 
I put my two cents in for the Rowland 302 amp. I have had Krell before and its bass is awesome but the overall sound of even the newer 400cx is wanting in the other important areas. The Rowland 302 is pricey but it just creates a beautiful synthesis of sound for just about every cd (even the poorly recorded ones). There is plenty of bass, delicious midrange, and vocals are superb.
orind
27 posts
 
At the money you are talking, and wanting something relatively cool running, I would definetly go listen to the YBA. (Celestial Audio--www.speakersetc.net)
fetguy
90 posts
 
I don't have an over-all favorite; each amp has something that it does very well and something that it does "merely well".

For instance,with Analysis plus IC, I find the new SST series Brystons to be the best amps below 5khz that I have heard. I prefer them overall to the Levinson, and much prefer them to the Krell. The palette of tonal colors and shadings is very rich. Even my SET loving friends give them high marks on midrange. They are quite good in the highs too,with the right front-end and cabling, but other amps win out here.

Halcro impressed me mightily but bi-amping with much less expensive amps yields the same results.

The old T-series Threshold and the new Pass's are awesome on top. So, I am bi-amping with the "T" on top and the SST on the bottom. I consider that hybrid to be the best I have heard, including the Halcro.

Now, everything can change with a different speaker load so....YMMV.
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