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Current production "budget" warm/dark SS amp?

Are there any class A/B solid state amps that are currently in production (or only recently went out of production) that are known for having a warm/dark sound that can be bought used for under about $1500? I used to own a B&K 4420, which I liked quite a bit for its warm/dark sound signature before it died on me. That amp retailed for around $1,100 new but went out of production over a decade ago, I think. The other amp I am thinking of is the Audio Research 100.2, which also went out of production years ago and was known for its "musicality". Are there recent- or current-production solid state amps that are similar to those amps but are NOT Class D, don't cost a fortune, and are not 90+ lb. behemoths?
mcondon
tvad
9,467 posts
 
You don't mention what speakers or preamp you'll be using, or how much power you require, so only a general recommendation can be made.

First, is the Belles 350A Reference (or 150A Reference). While I don't consider it "dark", I do consider it to be on the warm side of neutral...certainly with forgiving highs. The 350A Reference will run you about $2000 used. The 150A Reference about $1500 used.

Another option would be a McCormack DNA-1 or a DNA-0.5
gslone
274 posts
 
Out of production, Conrad Johnson MF2250 would be my first choice. The "A" version will be a little more expensive, but still under $1500.00, and are easy to find. The MF2250 also has two bigger brothers for consideration.
The ARC is one fine amp.. they' usually list for 1600-1900, but don't come around very often. Both retain their value well, plus you'll always get good support from both companies.
mcondon OP
223 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations. My speakers are Sehring 703s (86 dB sensitivity). The preamp is an old Aesthetix Calypso. My current amp is a McIntosh MC275, which I generally like, but it doesn't offer up very convincing bass with my somewhat bass-shy speakers, heats up my living room to an uncomfortable extent, and seems to have raised my monthly electric bill quite a bit. So I am thinking about downsizing to a less expensive solid state amp that might sound similar to the B&K I used to own, but is newer, more reliable, and will be serviceable if the need for repair arises.
armstrod
498 posts
 
I owned Monarchy SM70 Pro monoblocks, and they were definitely on the warm side for SS amps. They'd have similar power as your MC275, and so would probably drive your Sehrings to similar levels. They're Class A and run hot, but not blazing. I loved them with my Von Schweikert VR-1s, but they were a little noisy with my Druids. The new Mk IIs are supposed to be quieter than the originals I had.

David
tvad
9,467 posts
 
All of the amps I mentioned have an input impedance of 100k Ohms, and will match well with the Calypso preamp's 1k Ohm output impedance. They will all drive your Sehring 703s speakers without any problem.

The Belles 150A Reference is current. The 350A Reference, although apparently out of production, can be serviced by Dave Belles.

The McCormack amps are older models. However, if you can pick up a DNA-1 (or DNA-2) modified by SMc Audio (Steve McCormack), it can be worked on be Steve if it ever requires servicing. He will not service McCormack amps that have not been upgraded by him. Both of these amps are large and heavy, however.
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