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What amps should I audition?

I’m thinking ahead (crazy I know)

I want to purchase a high end amplifier next year, maybe an integrated or just a power amp.

I would be looking to spend around 15k max on an integrated, and 8-10k on a power amp separate (funds to acquire a preamp will be got at a later date next year)

What brands and what model from each brand should I try to get a home audition for? 

I should note I would probably be buying new as I can’t imagine I will be able to get a home audition with used gear. I’m open to buying used, but I’d have to get an audition in a system like mine, or actually in my system... I don’t really want to buy anything without auditioning first. On a related note, what is the easiest or best way to get a dealer relationship started, one where he would let me home audition? I’m even willing to pay 100% deposit if it means I can return it no questions ask after the audition period, but the dealers I’ve asked to do this with so far have refused. I always see people on this forum saying they manage to do that. I’m a bit at a loss how they manage to pull that off.

Anyway some more ideas: Bryston amps and Nagra Classic pre? This was the only setup I’ve heard on my speakers and it was quite magical. I really like the Nagra, and the Bryston combo. Used, it could be got within my budget. New.. not so much. I could swap out the Brystons with the matching Nagra amp, maybe. Or even just go for the Nagra Classic Integrated. All within my budget (if used) and with my speakers 96db sensitivity I should be good to go with the Nagra 100wpc rating.

other ideas: mcintosh mc462 or mc275 mk vi. 
Pass Labs XA30.8 or XA60.8 or XA100.8
Acxuphase e-470
Luxman 509X 

Actually that’s all I’ve really come up with so far. I am open to hearing any thoughts, concerns or ideas you may have. I do believe all the above mentioned amps will better my Kinki EX-M1. 

Cabling will be upgraded to Audience before any of this by the way. 
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cakyol's avatar
cakyol
112 posts
 
I am not scaremongering.  I am actually suggesting that Pass is one of the BEST amps around.  Just warning that class A runs HOT and will inevitably be less reliable in the long run. And therefore suggesting the class AB.

Kinda like the turbo charged cars.  U dont see them on the road much after 5-6 years ;)

geek101
284 posts
 
@tomic601 I do not think a single microphone will cut it. A true binaural recording of good quality can only capture the room, speakers and the rest of the chain in a good dynamic range. And the listener has to use headphones (good ones I presume) to make out any differences. 

Thanks for your vote regarding the Benchmark. I will post my impressions shortly once I get it delivered.

 
geek101
284 posts
 
@cakyol that would mean buying Class A solid state amp used can be a problem?.
Post removed 
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
I can say in day to day use any electronics that run hot get annoying for that reason soon enough. A hot Summer day, Air conditioning going full blast and you want to listen to some music. but DON'T because the amps or whatever are blazing hot to run??? Then the folks who own a second amp for Summer use? Because the favorite is a furnace? Reason enough to avoid Class A amplifiers and big tube amps.
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