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SS Amp Designer by Reputation

It looks like I'm going to try my first solid state amp soon. Looking for used < $3k. I've seen many brands here like Krell Jeff Roland, Pass, PS Audio, etc. Frankly, I don't have time to read endless reviews or discussion threads and auditioning before I purchase is out of the question.

So, is there a consensus on the top 3 manufacturers/designers that I can focus on when shopping? I will certainly end up selling it and trying something else anywho so, it's not important that I'll nail it on my first try. I just want to make sure my first purchase is close to the bulls eye.

Once I get the three brands, I'll do my research on a particular model from there.

thanx!!
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scratcha
164 posts
 
Check out Cary Audio's SA200.
I forget what they sell for though.

NICE amps!
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,972 posts
 
Don't take this the wrong way but I'd avoid the pitfalls of a popularity contest. The same caveats you raise about reviews and discussion would apply to any list that anyone cares to come up with.

Having said that, there's an amp maker named Liu, from China, who's fond of the Swiss approach to amp design. Think champagne taste on a beer budget, without the bloat.

The amp is the Kinki EX-M1 and there are two versions that both come under your price limits. I have the first version and I'll die with this integrated.

All the best,
Nonoise
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Second McCormack. DNA 1, and done. Why shotgun when you can nail a bulls-eye first try?
timlub
2,042 posts
 
Assuming used is okay and you have been a tube guy. I'd look at SST Son of Ampzilla 2000. Pass has some models that x tube guys like. You didn't say how much power that you needed. I don't see a tube head liking any PS Audio all solid state amps, any affordable Krell, I could see you leaning towards an older Jeff Rowland.  One of the better old pure class A amps that are properly rebuild might work... Kinergetic KBA75?  
whipsaw
763 posts
 
I owned a Rowland Concentra I for years, and thought it was outstanding. However, they are getting a bit old now, and the design is not independent-tech friendly, so re-capping, etc., could be expensive.
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