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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
jtucker
79 posts
 
Something you can audition locally:

Audio Research DS225 stereo power amp, silver
- solid state ARC amp delivering over 200 watts per channel with much of the beauty of their tube amps. Cool-running and compact. - used - $2700

http://audioconceptsonline.com/demo%20used.htm

Looks like they have a matching pream for sale also.  Personally I am using a Pass INT-150.  Paid a little over $3k for it used.  Lots of good choices  though.
phd
1,322 posts
 
When you narrow your search down to a couple of amps it would be great if you could afford to do a side by side comparison of these amps in your system. I find it difficult to try one amp at a time and then move on to another and then go by memory of the sonics of the first one.
mitch2
4,065 posts
 
I find it difficult to try one amp at a time and then move on to another and then go by memory of the sonics of the first one.
Totally agree, phd.This led to the Claylamack playoff in my system.   Without a direct comparison, it would have been very difficult for me to reliably choose which of the three fine amplifiers I enjoyed the most.
cohicks4's avatar
cohicks4 OP
45 posts
 
I agree with the side by side comparison gentlemen, I have two in mind for this s right now, and fortunately, both companies offer 30 day trials!   Thanks!
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
4,203 posts
 
John, plinius  are very reliable, I have mine the. Original sa100, I choose between the pass lab too, they are both excellent amp, I choose the Plinius I think because of the tube sound and speed, either one can't go wrong..
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