2. amps-preamps
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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
caphill
496 posts
 
Highly consider the PS Audio BHK 250 stereo power amp or a used BHK 300 monoblock amps. These BHK amps are hybrid with tube input stage & SS output stage. Highly recommended!

You can also look into some used Mark Levinson amps, some Ayre amps, used and older Krell Evolution series amps, used class AB Classe Delta CAM-600 or CAM-300 monoblock amps (discontinued) or the older class A Classe Omega series amps (discontinued), Parasound Halo JC1 monoblock amps (class A/AB bias) or some used Simaudio Evolution series amps.
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
476 posts
 
With respect to your 4367, the MC452 will be awesome. An MC303 will be as good or even better - I love that amp. Pass X350.8 will be awesome and XA60.8 even better. Both Pass are absolutely wonderful. The X260.8 should be wonderful too and well as the X250.8 if a little less power/heat is desired.
builder3
145 posts
 
d2, if you're considering Luxman, don't overlook the L-590AX
d2girls's avatar
d2girls OP
641 posts
 
@joeinid funny you mention the 250.8 as the guy I bought my 30.5 from is now selling his...
@builder3 whats the difference between the 509x and the 590ax?
builder3
145 posts
 
You should do some research online, but the new 509 is a class AB configuration, and the 590 is listed as class A, it’s spec’d at 30W@8ohms, but actually measures nearer 90W. It was Luxman’s top of the line until the new 509 was introduced. Now I’d say they’re both at the top, depending on what you prefer. The newest version is the L-590AX MkII. The earlier L-590AX’s are available used in excellent shape in the low $4000’s. That’s the model I own. Also, and I don’t remember your requirements, but the Luxmans, unlike Accuphase, have a very good phono stage included.
http://www.navratilaudio.cz/novinky/Luxman_L590AXII_HFW.pdf
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