2. amps-preamps
  3. 151271-109343

Which stereo amp to try under $30k

Having just made several upgrades to my system, it's now time for the amp. Given the number of amps in the 15-30k range, I'm guessing many of you have experiences with them. To get started, I'll tell you my (1) my guidance (2) my current list of options (3) My current setup. Looking forward to getting more options on my list, as I'd like to pull the trigger in about 2 months and need to start listening.

My Guidance
- Under $30k
- I need to be able to hear the amp before purchase, preferably at a local shop (SF Bay Area)
- New or used ok
- Large sound stage
- Bass
- More Bass... all the bass
- Very much prefer stereo to fit in my rack. I have small children and not enough room for monos.
- Prefer not tubes (already have a tube line stage - too hot for small children and don't fit in rack)
- I'm ok with a colored sound. Prefer musicality and realism over "accuracy" or "neutrality"
- Needs an absolute minimum of 150W based on how loud I listen
- 15/20A or something I can plug into a regular wall outlet

My Current List of options
- Luxman M900u (current top of list)
- Ayre VX-R Twenty
- Pass Labs XA160.8 (doesn't meet all of my guidance)
- Boulder 2160 (a little above budget)
- Audio Research 160S (doesn't meet all of my guidance)

My Current Setup
- AMG Viella Turbo Turntable w/ Koetsu Onyx Platinum Cartridge
- Boulder 508 Phono Stage
- Mytek Manhattan II DAC (next upgrade after the amp - maybe a dCS Bartok?)
- Audio Research Reference 6 line stage
- McIntosh MC452 power amplifier
- B&W 802D3 speakers
- AudioQuest and Nordost cabling or a Symposium Osiris rack

What I listen to: Anything from the 60s on vinyl, some things from the 70s on vinyl. A lot of large orchestral and jazz, also a fair amount of pop, from any decade, on vinyl and digital. Thanks for reading my long post! I'll keep this thread updated with amps I hear. Lots of great shops in the area. My two favorites are The Analog Room in Campbell and Music Lovers Audio in Oakland and SF.
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
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walnuts
9 posts
 
I'm not surprised that you like the Boulder. I've only tried the 2060 but it certainly has the immense levels of power and control to give you powerful, disciplined bass in a small room. I couldn't afford it but I now have a Bladelius Ymer driven by BAT Rex 2. The sound is amazing. Look up the Ymer's spec. With over 4kw of transformers the way that it can take hold of a speaker (especially the bass) has to be heard to be believed, without compromising sound-staging and fineness (first 45w is class A). I love mine (a lot!). I don't know what dealers there are in the States (I'm in the UK) but I see there is a 2nd hand one for sale. I can heartily recommend it.
walnuts
9 posts
 
Re Bladelius Ymer (on the subject of bass), I notice that you have shortlisted the Audio Research 160S. I recently heard this driving the Wilson Alex. On the James Blake track "limit to your love" I thought that the bass line was powerful and controlled until I listened to the same track at home through the Ymer. Even my 15 year old son commented how much better it was: there was simply another level of clarity, so much going on in the bass line which had merely been blurred over through the AR / Wilson combo. I suspect that they are both excellent products but there was no escaping the fact that the AR (excellent as it sounded) was not in full control of the Wilsons.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mayoradamwest OP
429 posts
 
Agreed. I’ve discounted the 160S for just that reason and will also likely replace the Ref 6 with the Boulder 1110. 
ps
744 posts
 
It seems that past a point (the point being relative and with many variables) some folks are listening primarily to what their equipment does or does not do,  the music is the conduit.
Hobbies manifest in a myriad of ways. Audio is one of the more quirky and expensive.
 
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