Solid State to replace Audio Research REF110?


Hello,

My power amp REF110 blew resistors and damage PCB (it is the second time), in the pass my VT100 MKIII also damage the PCB had to replace it.
I like REF110 sound but I think I should move to a more reliable solid state power amp.

Which power amplifier do you recommend to substitute Audio Research REF110 without have to regret every day?

Many thanks for the advice.
jglpubli
I believe Salectric's point is very valid. Many tube amplifiers are available
that when a tube fails it blows a fuse and that's it. This is much simpler and
less expensive than having to replace a resistor (s) or in some cases a
circuit board. I don't understand how using a resistor rather than a fuse
offers any sonic advantage. Replacing the fuse is so much easier and
requires no soldering or trip/shipping to a technician.
Charles,
12-12-13: Mikewerner
Yeah, I have a BMW motorcar. I'm glad that the service department never answers their calls.
Who needs them, anyway?
My car runs GREAT!
I have never heard such nonsense as from salectric
There will always be Honda and Porsche drivers. Both have a marketplace and nothing wrong with neither. Sometimes there's a steep price to pay for performance.

Another great example in audio is CAT. Ken Stevens builds them like race cars. A owner described his amp as a popcorn popper but he will never sell due to the sound.
ARC tube amps are tough on tubes and they do not last 2000 hrs in my experience. After 750 hrs the bias needs to be carefully followed and kept close to ARC specs or the tube and it's resistor will fry. Also ARC tube amps are not friendly to NOS tube rolling. High cost matched ARC tubes frequently monitored and changed out earlier than what most consider normal tube life will keep your circuits and sonics intact. Stable AC is a must. Most of the ARC tube amp problems can be traced to one of these issues.
Ayre V-5xe or Pass Labs X250.5 seem good alternatives.
I have read Pass Labs has some trouble with heat???
Any comment about these amps?
Many thanks in advance.