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June 3, 2019, 07:35 PM #1
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5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Let's just go ahead and cover all bases.
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June 3, 2019, 10:23 PM #2
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Luxman 509x
Luxman 590
Gryphon Diablo 120
Pass INT-60
VAC i170iQ
Hegel 590
....many more
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"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
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June 3, 2019, 10:42 PM #3
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Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Keep in mind "best" is so subjective. Here's a few I would consider and there are things I haven't had much exposure to, so don't worry if you don't see Luxman on my list,
Power amps:
Bryston 4b cubed
Pass X250 or 350.8
I would include my Levinson 532h as I can't think of anything in that range I'd trade for, on the other hand it doesn't hold it's resale value like other Levinson amps, so I would add, if buying at a good deal.
I suspect something from Conrad Johnson or VTL would go on this list if I knew pricing. Also, in tube Octave Audio has a stunning power amp that was around $10k.
PS Audio - BHK
Integrated:
Hegel 590
VAC
At only $3500.00 I sure did like the Triode of Japan
That's it for nowAurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables
HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
SVS PC13 Ultra
Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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June 4, 2019, 12:16 AM #4
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Used Gyphon Diablo 300.
Jock
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.
---------
House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.
Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.
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June 4, 2019, 10:13 AM #5
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Rowen Absolute One! A pair of these will deliver nearly 4KW into 0.5 ohms.
NORMAN
Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
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June 4, 2019, 03:07 PM #6
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
What is meant by 'best'?
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June 4, 2019, 05:16 PM #7
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
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June 4, 2019, 05:25 PM #8
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
I voted with my wallet. Hegel H360 $6000 list.
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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June 5, 2019, 09:19 AM #9
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June 5, 2019, 11:37 AM #10
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
In this range I would think that the Audio Mirror SET 45 have to be considered. It depends on your speakers and listening habits, but my 89db KEFs work very well with these amps. They are rated at 45 watts per amp, which some may think is low, but for SET this is very much on the high end. However, they have dynamic power at over 100 watts per amp.
As The Absolute Sound wrote, at $10,000 these would receive their top rating and be considered a must listen to amp, at their price they are a steal. Add some nice NOS tubes for rolling and you have a killer combo, very easily in your range.
Other brands I would consider in this range:
T+A
Audio Research
McIntosh
Pass LabsMcIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 5, 2019, 11:40 AM #11
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Well, IME the best amps have the best imaging and detail without the coloration of brightness and harshness, and for that you need tubes. I've only heard two solid state amps that really brought home the bacon in that regard, one is the re-imagined Sony V-FET (SIT) amp designed by Nelson Pass, which was only available in kit form. SITs have linearity and soft clipping similar to triodes (and have become rare, long out of production); a pity that Sony has been so intent on shooting their foot over the decades... The other is a class D prototype.
Our M-60 amplifier makes the list- its been the benchmark that other amps have had to beat. So far the SIT kit and that prototype have been the only ones that could keep up.
Bandwidth is simply not a thing, since tubes and solid state can have very similar bandwidth. I do find though that its harder to get solid state to have good resolution in the bass- you get get punch but less body and detail of the instrument. The two amps I mentioned above do that bit quite well.
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June 5, 2019, 11:59 AM #12
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
What is it about Minnesota... tube amp companies congregating there....
Audio Research
Atma-Sphere
Audio Mirror
any others?McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 5, 2019, 12:05 PM #13
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- Minnesota
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Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
AVA DVA 850 Mono block tube-ss hybrids should be in this group. These mono's are a hidden gem.
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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June 5, 2019, 12:26 PM #14
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
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June 5, 2019, 12:33 PM #15
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 5, 2019, 03:44 PM #16
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
I'll add the Accuphase E-480 to the mix.
Accuphase A-75, C-3850, DP-750, T-1200, C-37, P-530 / Magico S7, Mcoat Red w/Mpod / LessLoss C-MARC Entropic cables (Spk. IC's PC's) / Clearaudio Innovation Wood, 9" Universal arm ,VTA adj. Outer Limit platter ring, Statement clamp / SteinMusic PI Carbon Signature Mat /My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent EX MC cart./ Clearaudio 24v Battery PSU / Magnum Dynalab Signal Sleuth / B]Onyx Plus[/B] Sirius XM Sat Radio / Synergistic Research Galileo PowerCell SX ,Active Ground Block SE ,Black Box ,Acoustic ART, Atmosphere Infinity ,UEF panels /Stillpoints Apeture II panels /Furutech GTX-D NCF duplex outlets, NFC Booster-Braces/ 20a dedicated lines / SteinMusic H2 Harmonizers / Adona Eris II 5C racks / Symposium Acoustics Svelt Shelves /HRS Damping plates / KLAudio Ultrasonic RCM / Clearaudio Smart Matrix Pro. RCM /Kemp Electroniks SR plugs,/ Akiko Audio Corelli PLC,Tuning Sticks/ LessLoss Firewall 640X, Blackbody v.2, BlackGround Power Base 10X, Blackground Speaker Base 8X, Firewall for speakers
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June 6, 2019, 12:28 PM #17
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- Jun 2019
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- Greenwich, CT
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Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Best absolute sound -
Art Audio Diavolo 300B Copper Reference is the most musical amp I have ever heard and the balance of Art Audio's line is pretty special
Musical Fidelity M8 700s are phenomenal if you need lots of power and the Nu-Vista line is pretty special.
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June 6, 2019, 12:56 PM #18
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June 6, 2019, 01:14 PM #19
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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June 6, 2019, 02:33 PM #20
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Accuphase E-480
Accuphase E-650
Soulution 330
and probably many more.Flemming
Lumin X1
Rotel Michi S5
Focus Audio FS788
Inter connect : Nordost Tyr 2 ( 2 Meter )
LS cable : Yter
Power Cables : Nordost Frey 2 ( 2 Meter )
Nordost QB8
Fibercable for feeding the Lumin X1
Rack : Finite Elemente Pagode
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June 6, 2019, 05:57 PM #21
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Does my Conrad-Johnson LP70S count? Originally sold for $7500.
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June 6, 2019, 06:48 PM #22
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- May 2019
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- Germany
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June 7, 2019, 12:51 PM #23
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June 7, 2019, 02:19 PM #24
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Audio Research REF75SE should be included in the list.
Audio Dealer in Coral Gables Florida for Mcintosh/Audio Research/Wilson Audio/Focal/Naim/Joseph Audio/D'Agostino/Nagra/dCS/VPI industries/Soulution/The Gryphon/Nordost/Shunyata Research/Kubala Sosna/Bryston/VAC/HRS/NAD/Lyra/Koetsu/Aurender/.
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June 8, 2019, 01:21 PM #25
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
I like my McCormack DNA500, it makes my Apogees sing beautifully (and can actually drive them unlike many others).
Vine, Vide, Velcro - I came, I saw, I stuck around.
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June 9, 2019, 08:35 AM #26
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
McIntosh MC 462
McIntosh MC 275VITom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
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June 18, 2019, 09:56 AM #27
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Posts
- 22
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Of all the ones I've heard, an older version of the Herron Audio monos. I suspect the latest revision M2 monos are even better.
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June 18, 2019, 04:42 PM #28
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
Herron is awesome gear!Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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June 18, 2019, 05:14 PM #29
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Posts
- 22
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Thank you Joe. This group was recommended by Jim Smith and I'm really liking it so far. I miss my Avantgarde Duos.
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June 18, 2019, 06:02 PM #30
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
So happy that you are enjoying everything.
My Duos are absolutely wonderful. I'm very lucky.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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June 18, 2019, 06:45 PM #31
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- Jun 2019
- Location
- VT
- Posts
- 1
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
I use a Pass XA25.
This replaced elderly but truly fine VAC 300B amps.
My speakers are Rockport Atria 2s, Tortuga passive pre, Esoteric SACD, Sutherland duo phono, Koetsu Black.
Sound is glorious, ticks every high end box, then you ignore that stuff and disappear into the music.
i would not recommend the Pass with bright speakers as it passes everything unedited.
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June 18, 2019, 07:14 PM #32
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
Love the Pass XA25. It's a superb amp.Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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July 28, 2019, 11:52 PM #33
- Join Date
- Nov 2015
- Posts
- 22
Re: 5 best power amps for $5000 to $12,500...including integrated.
Herron M2 mono blocks and Coda Continuum No. 8 stereo amplifier. Nothing else I've heard in that price range comes to mind.
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August 11, 2019, 03:51 PM #34
- Join Date
- Mar 2016
- Location
- Minnetonka, MN
- Posts
- 59
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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