$$$Sensitive Speakers with $$Amps?

Like Trelja, I hold onto my equipment for a long time, so it’s nice to have updates available. That’s always a plus.

I would like to create a list of possible candidates for low-cost/low-watt amps, and set a range for cost. I will not rule out the MiniWatt, but I’m thinking the low end should start at $1,500. I would also like to set the high end at $4K, because I know that Sam Kim can build me an amp for that, and it would be his best design for my speaker of choice.

I would also like to add to my sensitive loudspeaker list, but keep any additions within the range of the Maarga and Aristoteles ($8,500 - $11,000).

Loudspeakers:

Horning Aristoteles
Rethm Maarga

Amplifiers:
Note: I realize some models will be integrated, so a plus IMO. I put a few on the list that I know about.

MiniWatt N3
Red Wine Audio Signature 15
Yamamoto (Model? Under $4K?)
Déjà Vu 2A3 (Under $4K?)
VAC Renaissance (I can’t find this?)
Audioprojekte CA10
FirstWatt SIT (Under $4K?)
Atma-Sphere (Any under $4K?)
Traformatic Aries
Sam's Audio Labs

VAC Renaissance (I can’t find this?)

The VAC Renaissance power amplifiers were superseded by newer models some years ago, but you'll find the 30/30 model (32 watts/channel) occasionally offered for sale used, generally for a bit more than $3K.

The 65 watt/channel 70/70 model also appears occasionally, generally in the $4K to $5.5K area.

The manual for the 30/30 is here, and for the 70/70 here.

Both are extremely heavy, which is reflective of the high standards to which they are designed. The 70/70 MkIII model (that I have) sold for about $14K when new, roughly around a dozen years ago I believe.

Regards,
-- Al

Thanks, Almarg.
I prefer to list only new equipment for the purpose of this thread, and because I only purchase new equipment with the exception of cables.

Updated List:

Loudspeakers:

Horning Aristoteles
Rethm Maarga

Amplifiers:
Note: I realize some models will be integrated, so a plus IMO. I put a few on the list that I know about.

MiniWatt N3
Red Wine Audio Signature 15
Yamamoto (Model? Under $4K?)
Déjà Vu 2A3 (Under $4K?)
Audioprojekte CA10
FirstWatt SIT (Under $4K?)
Atma-Sphere (Any under $4K?)
Traformatic Aries

Charles1dad, I think I did that last post pretty poorly! I meant to confirm most of Joe's comments. I was editing my post and deleted that part, then forgot about it. What I was commenting on really only applied to the M-60s he is using, which are pretty old (if I recall right his set was built about 1997).

I do tend to play things louder than most audiophiles do though, if my experience at shows means anything. Its not uncommon at home to listen at 105db or more (my system is very relaxed at those volumes); my 300b amp won't let that happen, although it sounds great at lower volumes.

Hi Atmasphere,
Wow ,you do listen at higher sound levels then most I`d imagine.Just purely out of curiosity do you have concerns about potential hearing loss at those listening levels?Last night I attended a jazz show featuring a quartet at our local Steinway Piano Gallery and took my extech sound meter along. This group consisted of an alto sax,piano,acoustic bass and drum kit. I was about30- 35 feet from the stage and sound levels C weighted were in the mid 80s db range with occasional drums peak to 95-97db. That level was 'plenty' loud enough yet very comfortable(just beautiful tone and music) no need to play any louder IMO(you could hear everthing!). Those instruments be could played at a much louder level(but why?) 105 db sure is a loud level, but as is always the case, to each their own.
Regards,