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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. 
d2girls
geek101
284 posts
 
I don’t have a lot of experience but to me buying an amp before speaker introduces the risk of incompatibility. 

Also amps performance is not correlated with price is my observation.

Being objective about speaker requirement and objective about amp capability and price will help.

I think buying a speaker with active cross over and which is fully active powered i.e an amp inside for each driver is best way forward. If I ever buy my next speaker I would go this way.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 
Wells Audio was problematic at CAF.
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
95 posts
 
In my journey through a number of amps, I found that a pair of used Mac 501s, mated with a tube pre amp made my Maggie’s still no like no other combination.

I could sell my amps for what I paid tomorrow and I have had them for 9 years.  The synergy between the amp, pre amp and speakers is key.

I would listen closely to other owners of your speakers to see what their pre amp / amp combination is.  The speakers drive the bus IMHO.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
90 posts
 
I agree with the others - Give PS Audio a call.  They have a trade up program.  They gave me a really good price for my used amp toward a new S300 which I really enjoy.  I think their BHK 250 would be worth a listen.
fleschler
766 posts
 
Okay, I've heard the cubed Brystons with EAR 912 preamp.  Great sound.  I once owned the Bryston 4B.  It was okay, unexciting, killed by various tube amps.  

No one mentioned VAC amps/integrated.  The 200IQ is 100 watts with excellent current capability, Class A/B, works with almost all speakers.  VAC Sigma 170i integrated is 85 watts, similar to the 200.  Both are low maintenance continuous auto bias amps with common tubes.   That should be in your price and need range.
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