Threshold, Levinson, Bryston, Krell, ?others? used amps

I never bought a used amps other than from my audio dealer who accept return for up to a year if something goes wrong.  I did start with used ADCOM, then went to  new Carver Monoblocks in the '80s  and settled with the Krell Class A  stereo amp which I bought in 1990.  Thankfully its still kicking up to now powering my Apogee electrostatics. 

imThorek 

imthorek

Thankfully its still kicking up to now powering my Apogee electrostatics.

Apogee speakers are ribbons, but not electrostatic.

I bought a ML23.5 used and have had it for 20+ years so far. It is now in a second system but sees moderate use still. Running perfectly and recently picked up a full set of caps to overhaul at some point when I can do without it for a bit. It was the basis to moving up to the 3XX series, where I did not have nearly the same luck.

If you can find an Anthem P2 amp grab it I bought mine used 2 years ago, it was 7 years old at the time, it is built like a tank and will drive any speaker out there with clarity and detail.They come up on Agon every once in a while used for around $1,800.00 to $2,400.00There is one listed now for $1,900.00 on Agon

Of everything mentioned above, I would only consider the Krell.  I have heard most of them except the new Bryson amps but was never impressed by their products (MO).  Others to consider in the 200wpc range that are bang for the buck:  Counterpoint - they sound good in stock form but can be upgraded to sound as good as or better than mega buck power amplifiers.  Recently built one for a customer by replacing everything and the customer told me that it crushed his Rogue Zeus and bettered Plinius Reference Mono Blocks.  Others to consider  Harmon Kardon XX series power amp.  This is one of the best SS amplifiers I have heard period other that the FM Acoustic but much more expensive.  We have compared it to Mac, Krell, Levinson, older Bryston, Ayre, Rogue, McCormacks, etc.  You can also look at the HK Citation 16 power amp.  Very nice sounding especially for the money and you can upgrade the caps and resistors for not much money.  The HK will IMO sound better that what has been recommended above.

Happy Listening.