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Which is the best solid state poweramp under $9000

I currently own a Classe CA-400 and a CA-301 power amp but I'm getting the bug to upgrade. I'm willing to sell both of these amps to buy one better one whether it's a single stereo amp or a pair of mono blocks. I do need a amp with high power and good current as the amp will be driving my Magnepan's 3.6R's or my B&W N802's. Could anyone recommend a better solid state power amp than what I have at a retail price of not much more than $9000.00 ? I am thinking of the McIntosh MC-501 mono amps, but both my Classe's have a little more power. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Uriah
uriah
loontoon
301 posts
 
That's where I ended up. The Pass will do a good job, but still despite the hassle of toobs, they are still best sounding. Not a lot of choices though. VTL, Manley, ARC.
ARC at 300 watts being the lower powered of the bunch. The Manleys do a splendid job on mine.

Trust me I know what a pain toobs can be.

loon
cytocycle
1,034 posts
 
My First Choice - Try to find a Used pair of Lamm M1.1's, M1.2's or M2.1's or M2.2's and you will never look back! endless current!

The Rowland 501's would also make a nice match and they don't generate any heat.

Lastly tireguy used Parasound JC-1 monoblocks to power his 3.6 and loved that combo. these run class A to 25watts.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I would look at Steve McCormack's DNA-500. Incredible power, detail,imaging and musicality for $7K list. I'm driving 4 ohm speakers effortlessly with the DNA's 900w into 4 ohms.
schang's avatar
schang
20 posts
 
Check out the new Belles 350A reference monoblocks.
http://www.powermodules.com/newdev.html
Also the Belles 150A reference monoblocks are excellent as well.SoundStage double reviewer's choice award http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/belles_150a_reference.htm.
beeper99
17 posts
 
I am driving a pair of B & W Nautilus 800s with a McIntosh MC 402. It sounds wonderful. It's hard to imagine there's anything out there that could make B & W speakers sound significantly better. According to the blue meters, I am operating at about 50% of the power when things are getting too loud. I haven't heard the 501s, but I hear their sound is outstanding, too. I would imagine they either equal, or more likely, surpass what the MC402s do. However, the MC402s are several kilobucks cheaper.
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