Hidden Gems in Pre-Owned Solid State Power Amplifiers?

@avanti1960 --

I would look for the Crown Studio Reference I/II. They have a build-in fan, yes, but it will only "go off" when you really push the amp - and believe me, the Studio Ref's barely break a sweat, and when they do they can take it, hour after hour (and the fan shuts down immediately when you lower the volume from high power use). Forget about it being a pro amp build for studios (that is, to me it's typically a good thing); a great amp is a great amp, and the Crown Studio Reference is exactly that - build like a tank for hard, constant use with no frills to cater to a high-end milieu. Personally I love the industrial look and its understated elegance - a beautiful amp, I'd say. The sound of the Studio Reference is effortless, unetched, with a natural tone, great soundstage and overall composure. It just doesn't seem to get in the way of the music with any obvious signature of its own. 

The old Nakamichi 420 is a really excellent sounding little power amp.

& even better after lighting up some 420 :)

Seriously, never knew that about the Nak 420, always thought that stack of Nak gear was cool looking and that maybe the preamp was the weakest of those 3 pieces (amp,pre & tuner)

The Nakamich 420 souds excellent combined with a Supratek preamp.A lot of SS power amps sound quite good but are not transparent so impose too much of their own sound . Using  a top flight preamp with them does not improve them greatly.The 420  allows the benefits of a good preamp through.The Usher R1.5 is also excellent in that regard.

Job 225. Not made anymore, rarely for sale and for a good reason.