2. amps-preamps
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Pure Class A shootout

Hi after doing a lot of research and listening, I think pure class A is still the way to go for me. I'm wondering if you have any opinions on the following amps and how they compare with each other:

1) Gryphon Colliseum (mono or stereo)
2) Gryphon Antileon Signature (mono or stereo)
3) Pass XA 160.5 or XA 200.5
4) Krell Evo 2

They will be powering Rockport Altair's or maybe Rockport Arrakis (still debating that one too).

I see a few dilemmas. For Krell, it seems like the spirit behind their products Dan D'Agostino is no longer with the firm and thus maybe their brand/lineup in the future may be compromised. Also, Krell's preamp reputation is not as good as their amplification. That's similar to Pass as well - great reputation on the amps but not as reputable on the pre-amps. Don't get offended as I'm only talking relative terms (i.e comparing products at very very lofty levels). For Gryphon, their amp and preamps are supposedly top notch, but right now the Euro is extremely strong vs the US$ and I'm thinking I should be picking up something American as it's more of a bargain. Gryphon + Rockport is a "formula" and I know I can't go wrong with it but I'm wondering if there are other options.

So I guess the question is:
1) Have anyone ever compared the best Pure Class A amps? How do they compare with one another? Yes I know they are all good at this level but unfortunately I have only listened to the Gryphons mated with Rockports.
2) Any other options that I should consider? No tubes please as I have no desire to mess with tubes.
3) Should I even compare/consider the older pure class A amps like the ML 33/33H? i.e are the new pure Class A leaps and bounds better than the older reference lines?

Thanks, -Isaac
changster
Ag insider logo xs@2x
nglazer
734 posts
 
You cannot just evaluate the cost of a product on the date of purchase. To test its true value, one must amortize its cost over its useful life. By that measure, my Krell FPB 300cx, though expensive on Day 1, has proven to be an excellent value. After 7 years of use 320 days a year, it has never had a hiccup, burp, mystery outage or any other type of malfunction. I have every reason to believe this reliability will continue for years to come. And I know there will be a company there to service it if something wears out. I don't have to worry if a German or Scandinavian mfr will still have a distributor in US or whether it can the amp can be serviced here.

And, BTW, it sounds great! It may not be to everyone"s liking, but it is to many, and has been for many years.

Neal
koegz
317 posts
 
Nglazer, I wish I would have said that! Energizer, WOW!
vicdamone
850 posts
 
What a lofty selection. I've heard the Evo and few other Krell amplifiers as well as a number of Pass Labs. Hearing these all in different environments I wouldn't give much weight to my opinion of each. I would go so far as to say, at this level I'd be much more concerned with the preamplifier presentation assuming you'd be using the same brand. In the case of Krell's Evo it's a system approach. To some degree so are the other brands your considering.

Big class A watts, talk about a carbon footprint.
energizer
113 posts
 
i think you can make a cost evaluation on date of purchase,if you think it is useless to spend super megabucks on something like a luxury item ie a sound system, when if you have that kind of cash to throw around ,you can use it for more important issues.
ozy
122 posts
 
changster---
i owned the rockport hyperions speakers for 3years before selling them, and had the following amps/preamp combinations with them--
mbl 9008/6010
bat their refernce ones/rex
burmester 911/808
gryphon colleseum monos/mirage.
of them all ,the gryphons were simply stunning sounding and really brought the hyperions to life.
i recently repalced the rockports with the tidal sunrays, and the sonic results are fantastic.
the gryphons have that grip and control, coupled with sheer musicallity, that must be heard.
i agree with those who stated that class A is the only way to go.
btw, i had a pair of krell fbp 700 amps several years ago ,and really enjoyed their sound at the time.
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