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
The Best Class A amp of all time is the Krell Master Reference Amps which is no longer made -- leaps and bounds better than anything else including Pass, Krell FPB, current EVO lineup, Levinson 33, and MBLs. This is my informed opinion since I own the Krell Master Reference and every amp listed in the previous sentence with the exception of the new Krell EVO (although I have listened to this amp twice at a friend's house). Superlatives in every sense when describing this amp. Downside would be size, heat, and price.
Consider the 60 wpc pure class A Luxman M800A - 60 wpc into 8 Ohms, 120 wpc into 4 Ohms and 240 wpc into 2 Ohms.

The 30 wpc Luxman 590Aii integrated amp is also highly regarded.

Regards,

Mark

Symphonic Line Kraft 250 ot 300, stereo or mono amps. The Kraft 300 mono amps are one of the best amps I have ever heard. They are pure class A. The Symphonic Line Kraft amps are in the same league as the Soulution amps. The Soulution pre amp is in a legue of it's own.
It's not about which amp is the "best" it's about which amp works with your speakers and with your ears. At this level $$ buying by "the label" is a big mistake.