Recommendations for cool running, sweet sounding amp(s) ...

joeinid

joeinid

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Okay, what are your recommendations for a cool (as in temperature), sweet sounding solid state stereo or mono amps. I know this has probably been beaten to death but your thoughts are appreciated. Something that comes to mind are the McIntosh MC452 and MC601's and possibly even Bryston 28BSST2's. What else should I look at?
 
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Joe - based on my time so far with the ModWright KWI-200 running as an amp only with my LS100, I would definitely recommend a KWA-100SE or KWA-150SE. My full write up is coming soon... ;)

P.S. Happy New Year to you!
 
All kidding aside, Devialet 170. Runs dead cold and suuuuweet sounding! Blackest backgrounds I've ever heard.

As a side, my VAC phi200's have eerily black backgrounds for tube amps.


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If you're looking for something that has great power efficiency, cool operation, AND a sweet sonic signature, I'd eyeball the following: Karan Acoustic KA I-180, Red Wine Audio Signature (anything), or the H20 Signature 100.
 
Thanks for the recommendations so far. I'll look at some of the ones I don't know much about and I'll probably have some questions.
 
Somehow I failed to notice that you were interested in the *28* B-SST. That erm, kinda hones my recommendation list down to just the Karan. Or more specifically, the Karan KA-S 400.

Let's not beat around the bush though, odds are more than likely that you'll end up with either a Bryston or McIntosh piece. :D
 
Zero said:
Somehow I failed to notice that you were interested in the *28* B-SST. That erm, kinda hones my recommendation list down to just the Karan. Or more specifically, the Karan KA-S 400.

Let's not beat around the bush though, odds are more than likely that you'll end up with either a Bryston or McIntosh piece. :D
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I'm really not sure, but there might be a McIntosh piece in addition to a hotter running amp coming. I am not familiar with Karan but need to find a dealer.
 
I see Sean already said it but I'll second the Red Wine Audio recommendation. Very cool stuff...pun intended! Vinny of RWA has been perfecting his gear and the batteries they use for years. I would love to have a second, all RWA system somewhere.
 
I think my choice of amp will need to be ballsy for speakers like Magico S3/S5or Wilson Sasha2/Alexia.
 
Petro85 said:
Just out of curiosity Joe why cool running? Is the heat off your cj's that bad?
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No. The ART monos are not terribly warm but I am thinking towards speaker break in and the spring/summer of 2014. Plus my stereo is on up to 12 hours a day and I hate to kill the tubes in the ART monos for background music when the mood strikes.
 
Kind of off topic but Krell is replacing their entire line of Evolution products. Rumor is they are going back to their roots with Class A and a new power supply design. I think pricing will be comparable to Bryston. The top model will be 600 watt mono's for 20k retail. It's just rumor but I have seen a picture of amps and a two box preamp. I guess this will be confirmed at CES.
 
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