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Ultimate Amplifier for the next 20 Years

Hello all!
Well, you I am again on the amplifier merry-go-round after my last digital amp(noname mentioned!) let me down in the dumps after a comparison with a Halo A21 amp. I had a keen ear friend who reviews for Stereo Times and he felt the same. Musical instruments more real sounding with better decay. Man was I surprised after thinking that the digital amp was my last! BTW, the most important part, my speakers are a pair of Apogee Studio Grands in beautiful piano black!! Now the digital amp is on subwoofers in which it has ALOT of punch! The perfect(but not cheap) subwoofer amp! High damping factor, runs cool, dual posts to run four(4) subs if you choose to and never runs out of juice!!

Anyway, I want to keep it under $5000 used or new. Prefer 2 channel amp and maybe monoblocks. Amp can't run too hot(very important)! My pre/pro is a Lexicon MC12B.
Here are my amps that I'm considering in order:

Classe CA2200- Runs class A up to 60 watts! Right now I have a dealer making me a killer offer. Probably the one I'm going to buy...

McCormack DNA500- My big second choose!

Theta Dreadnaught II- Since I have a 8.4 sound system but don't need alot of power for the other speakers, this would be the perfect multichannel amp for me(remember the .4 is powered by my digital amp). One BIG problem, it runs tooo freakin’ hot!

NuForce 9.2- Hearing great things.

Krell FBC300Cx- Jason Bloom ran only krell amps with Apogees.

Please add your thoughts on any comparison on these amps or a new one that you think are superior. I want this to be my last amp purchase for a long time! Right.... ; )

THANK YOU FOR ANY HELP ON THIS MATTER!!!
Best,
Paul
128x128ptheo
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Mdconnelly: I also heard the Butler amps before getting the DNA-500. The Butlers merely HINT at what the DNA-500 delivers in spades. The McCormack also has a much deeper, tighter and more controlled bass response. The extra power is very noticeable even on very quiet passages, etc. as the amp really controls the speakers exceedingly well.

I would just pick up a DNA-500 used on Agon if $ is an issue - if it doesn't work in your system, you can always resell it without getting hurt. Once you hear this amp, it probably won't leave your system.
Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like to discuss further, and NO, I'm not a dealer nor do I have any connection to Steve McCormack, other than being a very satisfied listener.
sheffb
64 posts
 
Another excellent choice, used for about 3500-4000 is the GamuT D-200 Mk3. This amp runs very cool. I have read 7 reviews on this amp all of them are favorable. I use the GamuT D-100 Mk.3. which I love and is essentially the same as the D-200 with less power supply. The unique feature of the GamuT is it only uses one large switching Mosfet device for the push and pull of each channel giving it single voicing with 0 matching problems. This SS amp challanges even better tube amps for harmonic richness. Of course the DNA 500 has dynamite reviews and I doubt from what I here that you could go wrong. I saw one on Audiogon for $4000 used.
nglazer
845 posts
 
The Krell 300cx fits the bill. Forget what some say about Krell amps, this one is dynamic, transparent and sweet, is built like the proverbial tank and mates perfectly with a tube pre (with minor internal adjustment a dealer otr you can do)or a SS pre. I have used it with both.

Neal
mdconnelly
133 posts
 
Fplanner2000 - I suspect you're right but buying the DNA 500 used, but... $4K without being able to see/hear makes me nervous (likely something I just need to get over ;-)

Since you've heard the Butler, have you also heard the Nuforce 9s?
warnerwh
539 posts
 
Belles 350a should run very cool and has lots of power. It's less money too.
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