Best power amplifiers under $5k

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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Location
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Since we did it for DACs, how about opinions on amplifiers at or under $5k (in other words more realistic price for a vast majority of people looking for an audiophile amplifier)... I'll start...

* First Watt SIT 3
* Audio Mirror SET 45 mono blocks
* McIntosh MC152
* PS Audio M700 mono blocks
* T+A AMP 8
* Goldmund Job 225

I am very sure there are many other solid contenders in this range.
 
Odyssey
SIT-3
Parasound
PrimaLuna
T+A Amp8
Job225


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
For a tad over $5K, the newest iteration of the Bryson 4B can be had. Not bad for 300 watts of clean power.
 
ATI 3000 ( a monster, requires a real 20 amp outlet )
Parasound A21

Audio Alchemy monoblocks, not sure the model number ( outcome is system dependent, IMO. I heard two demos and one was quite a bit more impressive than the other, although the less impressive wasn't bad )
 
Have heard:

Bel Canto REF600M
ATI 3000
Jolida JD 1000P
PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP
Mcintosh MC152
Bryston 3B (4B for just over)

Haven't heard but probably sound great:

First Watt SIT-3
Job 225
T+A AMP8
Unison Unico DM
Halgorythme
Graaf (they still around?)
 
Randy, they are.
I sold a whole Burmester surround set-up for 3 mono blocks and 1 stereo power amp of this brand.
The fact the designer lives close to me is certainly an advantage.
 
Mike said:
Odyssey
SIT-3
Parasound
PrimaLuna
T+A Amp8
Job225


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Odyssey is just so so so good. I have mine paired with a soulution pre and magicos and it is not being outpaced or a weak link at all. I love mine so much that I have a symphonic line kraft on the way, which is supposed to be more of everything.

Not sure if this is in the spirit of the lists/conversation - but vintage amps like the ol' big class A krells, ml's, arc's are all great bargains. i started out with a vintage audio research d120. it's one of their less popular offerings and, frankly, i can't see why. it has power and sings really well. the older tube gear gets much more love but is priced accordingly
 
I have had a SIT-3 for a month and am enjoying it quite a bit. My only comparison in my current setup is to my Line Magnetic 218. The 218 has a touch more holography of voice with 3D presence being unbelievable. The SIT-3 is still very dimensional and organic with voice but with much larger stage, better separation, more articulate bass, more detail, more dynamic, etc. This is likely in part due to the integrated nature of the 218 vs the SIT-3 being fronted by my LTA microzotl preamp. The SIT-3 will be a long term keeper no matter what. Supply running low and waiting lists have been full from what I have heard though.
 
Obelus said:
I have had a SIT-3 for a month and am enjoying it quite a bit. My only comparison in my current setup is to my Line Magnetic 218. The 218 has a touch more holography of voice with 3D presence being unbelievable. The SIT-3 is still very dimensional and organic with voice but with much larger stage, better separation, more articulate bass, more detail, more dynamic, etc. This is likely in part due to the integrated nature of the 218 vs the SIT-3 being fronted by my LTA microzotl preamp. The SIT-3 will be a long term keeper no matter what. Supply running low and waiting lists have been full from what I have heard though.
Click to expand...

Welcome to the forum, thank you for joining.
 
Thank you joeinid. It has been a few years since I have participated in a forum. Now with some new gear I figure it may be beneficial and interesting.
 
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