Thanks for the clarification.
I will add this important piece of information when I recommend your amps next time
Endgame monoblock amp choice
- Thread starter martin778
- Start date
I will add this important piece of information when I recommend your amps next time
And this is why Fransisco never sells his equipment !Thanks for the clarification.
I will add this important piece of information when I recommend your amps next time
And this is why Fransisco never sells his equipment !
Considering that I have owned tonnes of equipment that fortunately have easily sold and the feedback shown at the usual sites I would say that this time you are wrong. Fortunately Lamm is an isolated case in my extensive high-end swapping route.
How do the Lamm hybrids compare to your VTL Siegfrieds ? Maybe your next speaker will be a better fit for the Lamm's.
Krell has always been the go-to combination with Apogee but the heat output and the fact they wear out so quickly makes me want to skip the brand this time altogether. My go-to technician is probably still pulling his hair trying to get the 250M's fixed.
Does anyone know MSB M204 mono's?
Does anyone know MSB M204 mono's?
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If your budget allows it I‘d recommend EMM Labs MTRX2 mono amps for endgame. They are stable to at least 2 Ohms, they have more than enough power to drive whatever speaker and they are not getting hot. Ok, if you push them, they get quite warm but not hot.
Martin778,
You have got some great recommendations here. As a pure Class A audiophile for over 12 years now, I can say that for whatever reason, the Antileon was the hottest-running of the 3 Gryphon amps we owned (Colosseum and Mephisto being the other two). The Mephisto does run hot but did not produce nearly as much heat as the Antileon by some measure...not sure why.
You've made up your mind to avoid high-powered, pure Class A, so I respect that. I am simply adding this in case you might still be wondering as you deliberate your many options. The combination would likely otherwise be spectacular. And the Mephisto 2nd hand would fit within your stated budget, and they are readily available in Europe.
You have got some great recommendations here. As a pure Class A audiophile for over 12 years now, I can say that for whatever reason, the Antileon was the hottest-running of the 3 Gryphon amps we owned (Colosseum and Mephisto being the other two). The Mephisto does run hot but did not produce nearly as much heat as the Antileon by some measure...not sure why.
You've made up your mind to avoid high-powered, pure Class A, so I respect that. I am simply adding this in case you might still be wondering as you deliberate your many options. The combination would likely otherwise be spectacular. And the Mephisto 2nd hand would fit within your stated budget, and they are readily available in Europe.
Similarly, very few people ever mention the flagships from AVM that I have (Ovation MA 8.3). AVM has become known for all-in-one products, but these monos are absolutely stunning. They are hybrid tube input, with tons of power (1,100 w on all loads). Totally worth a listen if you can get the chance.
Heat output really is a problem, the FPB's already heat up to 50*C on the heatsinks which means they will be due for another recap in a few yeras. Only way to manage this would be to place silent 120-140mm fans under the heatsinks but that kind of defeats the point of Class A.
From a technical point of view, the choice feels almost impossible... a) gets hot b) has no service c) can only be serviced by the manufacturer d) is unavailable e) has obsolete parts and the list goes on.
Truly feels like one of these "first world problems". Mephisto is also reaching the 'due for recap' age nowadays and I can't place such a big single unit anywhere in the living room. With monoblocks I can try to hide them somewhere around the speakers ;-)
From a technical point of view, the choice feels almost impossible... a) gets hot b) has no service c) can only be serviced by the manufacturer d) is unavailable e) has obsolete parts and the list goes on.
Truly feels like one of these "first world problems". Mephisto is also reaching the 'due for recap' age nowadays and I can't place such a big single unit anywhere in the living room. With monoblocks I can try to hide them somewhere around the speakers ;-)
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CAT Jl 7 used fits your budget .
The JL 5 that i have doesnt run hot .
End game ampliification afaik if you like what they do.
But to have endgame sound you need to have a end game pre amp too, its the whole package.
Ps i never heard the ZENA pre amp.
The JL 5 that i have doesnt run hot .
End game ampliification afaik if you like what they do.
But to have endgame sound you need to have a end game pre amp too, its the whole package.
Ps i never heard the ZENA pre amp.
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Yes but in a CAT they go a long way .
I d say 6 years depends on how much you listen .
Then i would go with Lloyds recommendation , a Memphisto since you like the pre already .
I d say 6 years depends on how much you listen .
Then i would go with Lloyds recommendation , a Memphisto since you like the pre already .
I would go with the Dags first choice, followed by one of the big Krells or MSB. You can also try hybrids like Lamm. Stay away from tube amps.
A great amp is Symphonic Line Kraft which is 300 - 400w depending on model and you can get it at 14k Euro approx from German manufacturer or try used market.
I've heard a heavily modded Croft 3 OTL with PL519's and it had the purest midrange I heard to this day but I don't see it delivering current to 2-4 Ohm Apogees. Maybe big Atma Sphers would cut it but we're talking 48+ tubes in total, that's a no-go. Have to admit that MA-2's do look amazing ;-)
I would love to hear a pair of very good OTLs playing with my very easy to drive Apogee Studio Grands.
I could easily imagine this to be a match made in audio heaven