Possible amp suggestions...

[macvisual]

Recently sold my Quad 11 valve amps; main reason is I recently bought an A&R Alpha integrated amplifier (1980's era) and after comparing it to my Quad 11's I prefered the A&R Alpha as it's more open/neutral/more dynamic/generally more enjoyable to listen to.

My main system is quite simple, using a S'box Duet digital streamer or an Audiomeca Mephisto cd transport, both using the M.Fidelity M1 DAC, speakers are Audioplan Kontrast floorstanders. I also have a Classe Audio 30 pre-amp which I used with the Quad 11's, a fabulous neutral sounding pre-amp with XLR's galore on the rear panel etc...

So with a budget of £800 (max) I quite fancy looking at amplification, either an integrated or a power amp/mono blocks etc, any advice or suggestions appreciated please.

I do like a bit of authority/dynamic approach without being too overpowering, just a bit of ooomphh is good for me. I think the recent purchase of the A&R Alpha has took the blinkers off for me, I do like what it does sound wise!


Ok, over to you.....

[Reid Malenfant]

Does the Classe Audio pre amp have balanced XLR outputs? I'm guessing yes, but It'd be nice to know before I recommend anything ;)

[Alex_UK]

Well, I don't want to be a shill, but I have to say the new Rega Brio R I've had for a few weeks now is simply amazing at the price - £500 is below what you have to spend, but I wouldn't see that as a negative. ;) If you can get a listen, I think you might be surprised how good it is, and I think it will fit your criteria perfectly - "oomph" is exactly how I described it elsewhere on the forum IIRC. :) It really does take control.

[macvisual]

Yes, balanced (XLR) outputs on my Classe Audio 30 pre-amp.

[Dingdong]

How's about a Quad 909? Being sold new/ex-dem theses days quite cheap. Maybe some sort of Sugden.
Or even something valvey with a bit more oomph than the old Quads have. There's all sorts of Kt88 based amps about now.
Or even a Croft might do the trick.

[Reid Malenfant]

Yes, balanced (XLR) outputs on my Classe Audio 30 pre-amp.
Ok, see if you can get hold of a B&K Components ST2020 or ST3030 ;) I picked up a 2020 for about £130 a while back, a serious bargain & no kidding :eyebrows:

Totally balanced architecture, no output relay needed & a big PSU along with 200W RMS per channel into 4 ohms.

Not the most common thing as they are US amps, but they are cheap over here as no-one appears to know about them :eyebrows:

I will not be getting rid of mine even for quadruple the money ;)

[Darren]

Anything's better than Those old quad valve amps - they just ain't hifi.

[macvisual]

What about the XTZ A100 D3 integrated or the XTZ AP100 power amp, both healthy output/XLR's and choice of class A or class A/B, any good does anyone know?

[Reid Malenfant]

The XTZ stuff is rather good, you need to talk to Frank :lolsign:

No, I kid you not... Frank, effem has an XTZ in his system & he loves it...

PMSL :D Perfect...

[julesd68]

Did you read this thread?

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=7517

Seems like you can get a demo unit in, so can't go wrong!

[jandl100]

Werll .... it's easy to 'diss' the ol' Quad II .... slow, dynamically limited (even into high efficiency speakers) and far off from the most exciting amp on the planet.
But some folks do love them dearly for their tonal richness, which is hard to match at any price, ime. And some folks simply enjoy a laidback sound, which the Quads deliver in abundance!
Me? I'd rather watch paint dry than listen to Quad II amps! :eyebrows:

I'd echo Alex's sentiments - not for the Rega amp, which I have not heard - but to not let yourself get hemmed in by your Classe pre and your seeming obsession with XLR/balanced connections! ;) That really is not an important criteria for home use (viz. fairly short cable runs), imho.

[electric beach]

May I throw this into the mix for your consideration Peter...

http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=13619


Don't know how adventurous you are but it fits your requirements like a glove. I had it refined to power the speakers in the top right of the AoS banner which are also 86db with Scanspeak tweeter (and woofer). I also use a Squeezebox Touch, for which the amp gives great weight and authority in an effortless way.

Of course it's all about synergy and it may not be a mate for your preamp - but it's going to make someone a very satisfied partner :eyebrows: