affordable mono blocks??

[topspeed]

Ever since I bought a PS Audio 4.6 preamp back in the '80's, I've been a huge fan of Paul McGowan's stuff. I'm still kicking myself for selling that thing! A bit of visionary and tweaker, he saw the benefit of huge outboard power supplies waaaay before anyone else. I think that was what led to his foray into power conditioners. Thankfully, he still designs killer amps, pre's, and just introduced a new DAC.

I haven't had much occasion to refer PSA lately as, quite frankly, I wasn't as happy with the GCA series of amps as I was with the HCA's. I like tubes, ARC in particular, and whereas the HCA's had a warm, musical sound (quite ARC-like but without fussy tubes), the succeeding GCA's were a bit sterile for my taste. Paul strove for absolute transparency, which is what he got. However, so many customers had grown to love the voicing of the HCA's, he decided to add a bit of warmth back to the design of the Trio.

I learned my lesson, tho. The HCA will never be sold.

[nightflier]

I learned my lesson, tho. The HCA will never be sold.

That said, the HCA cannot be bridged. I would go with the other poster who suggested Odyssey Audio's Kartago amps. Considering how much of a perfectionist Klaus is, these amps can't possible be that bad.

I own a pair of Odyssey Nightingale speakers and while these are not amps, I can vouch for Odyssey's top-notch support, quality, solid-build, and sound. It is definitely worth checking out.

If buying used is still an option on the table, you might want to consider a PS Audio Monoblock amps. Most of these models are now old & discontinued, but that means that they will be available for a whole lot less than retail. I own a pair of Delta 250/400 monoblocks and I have to say that there is little in these bad boys to complain about. And they can be had online for a pittance.

Anyhow, that just MHO....