Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

Does anyone have any recommendations for a warm sounding, but cool running amp for under $2K. I currently have a Krell KST-100 that is heating up the house (I'm not kidding. We live in South Florida and this amp sounds great, but could double as a space heater!) and we are downsizing to a smaller home. The rest of the system is a Music Reference RM5, Proac SuperTowers, CAL Tercet, and a Well Tempered Record Player.
Also am considering downsizing the speakers to Proac Tablette Reference 8 Sigs. Any thoughts?
Looking for warm and listenable over cool and analytical.

December 22, 2005 - 11:56am

Buddha

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Joined: Sep 8 2005 - 10:24am

Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

Check out Channel Islands Audio...

http://www.ciaudio.com/

There are reviews and descriptions of their amps at the site. Dusty Vawter is a Hall of Fame level audio guy. Caveat: I havne't heard any yet, just word of mouth, but "sounds great" and "runs cool" have passed through my ears several times when people tell me about them. Stereophile has reviewed their second from the top amps, as well.

I'll try and get some time with them at CES and report to ya!

December 22, 2005 - 4:30pm

SteveV

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Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

Thanks for the lead. I had not heard of these but am going to call them in the A.M.

December 22, 2005 - 5:40pm

dcrowe

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Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

Reviewed this month in Stereophile is the PS Audio GCC-100, which can be purchased for $2090 at: http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1140312933

December 23, 2005 - 12:58pm

k512

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Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

I would urge you investigate Induction Dynamics' ID1 loudspeakers, as well as Simaudio's wide array of components.

December 23, 2005 - 6:03pm

Jim Tavegia

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Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

Sound like the Krell should be the 2nd amp for households up north. One for summer, the Krell for winter. The best sounding "fireplace" on the planet. Chestnuts roasting over an open Krell...Whoops that was kind of lame wasn't it? I think Mel Torme got it right.

February 6, 2006 - 12:15pm

Monty

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Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

The first name that comes to my mind for warmth without giving up transient details and resolution is Conrad Johnson.

With careful shopping, you might be able to snag an MF2250A somewhere around that price.

February 10, 2006 - 9:27am

makhan

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Joined: Feb 2 2006 - 8:19am

Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

I have an Odyssey Stratos Amp with a 128,000 uf upgrade that I would highly recommend to fit your needs. Klaus Bunge is the sole distributor for it and I am told the amp is based on the famous german line of Ralph Germaine.

February 11, 2006 - 7:02pm

deadfeat1

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Joined: Sep 6 2005 - 2:39pm

Re: Warm sounding, cool running amp under $2K

The new Outlaw receiver is a very good looking product.Sure looks to be good on paper. Can't wait to here what people have to say about the sound...

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