Suggestions for power amps

Ideally it would be best for recommendations to know if your power is supplied by coal, hydro, wind, or solar. The "greener" the better. Also, do you have any isolation devices under your equipment? Some amps respond differently to granite than they do marble or wood. What about air purifiers? HEPA is best because they remove the smallest particles that could affect the way the amps dissipate heat. A room full or non-treated air is chock full of things that make heat sinks work harder. 

If you (generally) think any of that seems ridiculous, just imagine how you sound asking about the "sound characteristics" of an amp or interconnects or the other commonly heald but wrong beliefs. 

bgross

303 posts

04-21-2024 at 05:30am

I’m at an impass too... have Audio Note AN-e/sp, Aesthetix Calypso Sig paired with a Canary M-90 300b power amp. It’s really very good but always wondering about amps. I’m all in on my pre & speakers and have enjoyed an all-tube setup (even DAC) for a long time now.

If you’re all in on your speakers, then I suggest looking at Audio Note amplification. In fact, there have been some recent reviews of Audio Note integrated amplification that might change your mind about separate preamp/amp. Specifically, Audio Note OTO Phono SE Signature, and Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister 300B Integrated.

@katzlar, a Pass Labs XA25 is an outstanding amplifier. You can’t go wrong. Reach out to @Hilde45. He owns an XA25, and I believe he may have once paired it with Fritz loudspeakers.

Atma-Sphere GAN amps would be worth a home audition. Ralph Karsten doesn’t release anything that doesn’t sound excellent, and in keeping with Atma-Sphere's tube amplification house sound.

TVAD yes I heard the armasphere Class D  with Caladan speakers. They sound good. I think the price is over the OP budget for brand new.

jayctoy

3,670 posts

04-21-2024 at 09:03am

TVAD yes I heard the armasphere Class D with Caladan speakers. They sound good. I think the price is over the OP budget for brand new.

Brand new, yes. He specified $3k new or used. I’ve seen used Atma-Sphere GAN amps listed used for $3500--$4000.

There are also two used XA25 listed just above $3000.

As some of us know, budget sometimes increases when we hear something that improves our systems in a significant way.

TVAD yes this hobby not only requires knowledge, time but also money. I agree when you desire good things in life and in audio ? It get expensive.But if you have the money and time and knowledge and it’s your passion my advice GO FOR IT.