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Krell KSA100 vs Threshold 400A vs McCormack DNA 0.5

HiI need a 100W amplifier to drive my Morrison speakers. I Can easily refurbish electronics if needed. Someone offered me a Krell KSA100 another one offered me a Threshold 400A I have to repair and finally a McCormack DNA 0.5 or 1 seems appealing but I dont have any I could  buy.  I hate over detailed sound and I love tube amps mids but do'n want a tube amp. As I couldn't buy a Morrison woofer if I burn it with a faulty amp. I need something bullproof. I never heard and couldn't hear any amps mentionned with my setup.  What would be your preference or do you have any other recommendations ?
Thanks
legarem
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,611 posts
 
@labtec  +1!  Everything you said about what Steve McCormack can do for you is accurate.  If you decide to modify an "older" McC. amp. they send you a questionnaire about your system and listening preferences so they can tailor their modifications to your amp to optimize its performance with your speakers and associated gear.  Extremely reasonable price for the depth of the modifications.
classicalpiano
4 posts
 
I owned a Krell KSA100 since 1984. Coupled with an ARC SP-8 tube preamp it drove 1 ohm Scintillas effortlessly and with immense beauty. It will control any speaker. It was flawless and performed until (sadly) I sold it 6 months ago. It deserved a good home! My current pair of KSA-150s are 27 yrs old and I love them. You will not be disappointed.
rwwear
2,692 posts
 
I would go with the Krell also. Another amp to consider though is a solid state Conrad Johnson if you don't mind single ended. I had one in the shop around 15 years ago and it sounded great.
legarem OP
18 posts
 
I lost the KSA100. Now there's an Anthem AMP2 which could be interesting but I didn't know this amp.
timlub
1,649 posts
 
@legarem   
There are some good recommendations on here and I agree that they don't all meet your taste.  The AR 100.2 is a solid performer, natural sounding amp, it may be a bit more detailed than you want, but this is a nice sounding amp. What I believe is dead on what you are asking for is a Muse One Hundred Sixty... 
Then lastly,  another old amp that definitely needs to be updated, but a Son of Ampzilla properly updated really competes well with todays best.  
I think the real problem is just finding any of these ready to go.  
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