Amplifier for Wilson Audio Alexia V

Given that you’re gonna use this for audio and TV I’d tend to shy away from tubes or pure Class A solid state unless you don’t mind burning $$$ on tubes and/or your electric bill.  In all honesty and given that the Alexia benefits from some power I’d highly recommend looking into the latest GaN amps specifically from AGD or Atmasphere.  All the performance with much less hassle/cost IMHO.  Gotta be at least worth exploring given the rave reviews these amps are getting, and at least the AGD amps are upgradeable at relatively modest cost as tech improves down the line.  Hmmm.  Best of luck. 

Um, you absolutely have to listen to Pass, Luxman and Mc, because to my ears these are three very distinct and personal sounds, critics (including me) be damned.

You will 100% fall in love with one of them and not the other two.

D'Agostino and Luxman are a lot more similar than different.

No idea about Gryphon, never even seen one.

GDNRBOB - yes purchasing from a dealer but I work in the home automation industry so I have access to many brands just don't sell a lot of HiFi systems. 

Erik - I know I picked the Luxman when Jay's Audio Lab did his youtube video on three amps under $30k.  Never heard pass.  Have access to audition Mc pretty easily.  I know someone with a pair of S250 in storage right now that I might be able to use to audition.  

I'm leery of recommending amp/speaker combos since the results can vary a lot and the final decision must be personal.

But i thought I'd comment on tube life. In general you're correct tubes wear out and add the fact the decay is slow so you usually don't realize the performance drop off until you finally put new tubes in. But tube decay does not need to be as rapid as most tube amps. As an example I know Berning amps have a tube life measured in many years. They guarantee 10,000 hours and I happen to know David Berning is always very conservative with all his specs including tube life. Unfortunately while this exception exists I don't know of  other examples. And Berning amps are costly and have their own sound like most other amps.

Once again, I suggest contacting John R., he knows just about all there is out there.-And, his advice is free. Let me know if you want his number.

Like I said, you should listen to your Levinson's. They might work.

If not, then see if you can demo other amps from a dealer near you.

B