Solid state amp to replace my Audio Research Ref 150 amp


I have owned an Audio Research Ref. 150 for 4 years, but with tube changes and the heat, I'd like to find a solid state amp that would mate well with my Baby Nola speakers, as well as be 100% reliable and have the great sound my AR amp has given me. The AR amp was originally recommended by the Nola designer, Carl Marschiotta. 

My listening tastes primarily range in jazz, classical, roots music, and Americana such as Jason Isbell. I do like to rock the house occasionally, but I greatly value the finesse I get from the AR 150, as well as the solid bass and dimensionally my amp provides in my system.

I don't want to replace my Audio Research preamp and phono preamp, so I am wishing for a solid state power amp that will fulfill my amplifier hopes, work with my other AR pieces an continue to provide me the pleasure my Audio Research amp has given me.

 I would like to pay less than $8k on AudiogoN.

Comments and suggestions are appreciated.

128x128shaq
By switching to Pass or Plinius you will less-likely get rid of heat. They both like to run hot or even hotter than tube amps.
Bel Canto ref1000 monos may come into play for the fraction of your budget.
I used. Big ole Adcom and B&K amps for years to give me my 200watts, but with lots of heat.  I switched to Bel Canto monoblocks and could not be happier. They stay on and stay cool all the time.  I have the 500m, the new 600m is supposed to be the best yet.  You can also get used 500m or 1000 mk2 for a relative song.  i know, they are class D. I have no issues with the sound, but i did get improvements with power cables (Acoustic Zen) and Nordost cabling, especially Heimdall 2 XLR form the preamp.


I've had good success driving Nola Viper Ref IIIs with Lamm hybrid amps. Synergy is tremendous. Heat is not as bad as when I had BAT VK150SEs, but if you leave them on, they will drive up the electric bill! If you want to see the system, it's posted here as "Silence of the Lamms". Cheers,
Spencer