Amplifier recommendation

[gwnm2]

hi I am looking for a 2 channel monos or stereo amplifier to run a pair of sonus faber bookshelf speakers. Pre amp will be a mcintosh solid state. I am looking for an amp that is light (25 pounds and under) and under the $5000 mark. I have looked at Bel Canto, Jeff Rowland, Burson, Benchmark, Wyred4sound and a number of others I can't recall right now, but am open to any and all suggestions. I listen to rock cd's exclusively. I prefer North American companies, and to stay away from tube amps.
any suggestions...thanks

 

[kyuu]

With those requirements and budget you couldn't go wrong with the Benchmark AHB2. You could always save some cash and go with a Buckeye NCx500 as well.

 

[BillH]

This also tested very well here
Apollon NCx500ST

Apollon NCx500ST Stereo Amplifier Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the Apollon NCx500ST stereo class D amplifier based on Hypex NCOREx NCx500 modules. It was kindly drop shipped from the member and costs 1,090.00€ (US $1,168) with standard opamp. While the case is stamped aluminum, it is a heavily customized one...

www.audiosciencereview.com

 

[alex-z]

Monoblock VTV Amplifier NCx500OEM module with Input Buffer Options | VTV Amplifier

Personally I would go dual Hypex NCx500 monoblocks, $645 each with the 12V trigger inputs. The Benchmark AHB2 has similar noise and distortion performance but costs substantially more for less power output.

With the monoblock placed directly next to the speaker you can maximize damping factor with a short run of speaker cable. At this echelon of performance the resistance of the cabling changes the effective output impedance of the amplifier by a substantial amount.

 

[kyuu]

Yeah that Apollon is basically the same thing as the Buckeye. A good option if you prefer the casework, or are in Europe.