2. amps-preamps
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Agoners: Need Advice! Have 3K to spend on an Amp, what do I do with no way to audition?

Looking for a solid State Amp, something that will go for 30 years or more (My Last Amp), so I don't need high maintenance, with at least 200 WPC @ 8 ohm load.  SO many to choose from...I've narrowed my choices down to several brands, due to the consistency of great reviews; Krell, Pass Labs, Audio Research, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Classe.  Now looking serious at a couple by Krell or Pass.  I love most types of music, classical, jazz, rock, punk, electronica, metal, but not Rap & Country.  I love great detail in my music, fast and bold but rich and  warm, played soft or loud with a big soundstage, love bass slam and crisp highs, too much midrange hurts my ears. Which amp does it all???  Wife has me limited to this, you know how that is :(...Please help me out here folks...I've been in this dilemma for a few years, it's time to make a decision and buy! 
128x128cohicks4
wlutke
716 posts
 
cohicks4,
I searched the forums for amps recommended as a good match for my speakers and that worked out well.  I bought used - I assume for $3K you are too with those brands - so no problem if I didn't like the amp.  I would resell and try again, if it came to that.  
My speakers have level adjust on the tweeters and mids. Oddly enough, I find a hot tweeter level is the source of the intolerable "midrange glare" while the midrange level has little effect.   
jperry
2,432 posts
 
Just 2 comments.

1. You should add the Aesthetix Atlas to your list
2. When amps get old they need service like capacitor replacement which can be expensive. Make sure you understand the service needs of whatever you are purchasing.
toddverrone's avatar
toddverrone
840 posts
 
Have you considered any of the class D amps? I love electronica and my Ghent audio monoblocks are incredible for what I listen to.. But I've also never heard a high end class a/b in my system.
cohicks4's avatar
cohicks4 OP
37 posts
 

wlutke,

So you're saying to buy what I want, and keep looking trading until I find the perfect one?  I'm running B&W 802 Matrix 2s, so no adjustment on the tones, they are midrange strong in many cases so having a bass/treble adjustment on preamp is almost a must.


jperry,

Thank you, for the recommendation. have seen a few of the Aesthetix amps, the used ones are still out of my price range. I'm aware of the recapping process needing to be completed, I've seen an average of every 10-20 years, depending on amount of amp use. So I am willing to put up with it, just making sure to buy American for that reason as well.

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