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
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.
 
Yes. That’s why it’s called a hobby. People are not neglecting their kids to pursue this hobby. Their choice. Also, there are also much more expensive hobbies out there. And other bad , expensive habits (I.e. gambling or drugs). 
I think that for me its about both the music and the equipment. As long as my system is working well, which is most of the time, I don't meddle; It is there for the enjoyment of music. Sometimes by myself, but often with friends or family. I like to be so engaged by what I am hearing that I forget that the music is coming from the boxes in my lounge. However, when I do decide to change a component it can be like opening a can of worms! Until I get everything working in harmony again then "the hobby" becomes obsessive about the equipment! Critical listening, reading (through) all the reviews, forums, research, borrowing, trial and error. It can be an enjoyable process, but also a task that can take considerable time. For me, its important to reach a point of satisfaction, draw a line under it all and refocus on the music - until the next time!
Demoing then Boulder 1160 on Thursday in my system. If I like it, I’lol probably pull the trigger on the matching preamp too. 
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