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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
blumartini's avatar
blumartini
224 posts
 
@lak
I noticed that you have the Plinius SA-Refrence as well as a few others in the Plinius lineup. I too am a plinius guy and love what they do. I have owned the SA-250 MK lV i currently have a SB-301 MKll there latest A-150 current production 150 wpc class A switchable to A/B.  I am looking at purchasing  a SA-Refrence just to see how it lines up with the rest. Love to hear your thoughts if you still own yours.

Cheers 
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,499 posts
 
A thought and I am sure no one has mentioned this...have you considered a Chord Ultima 6? 

It delivers plenty of power for your needs.  It will still get hot when driven hard but the switching power supply helps keep the temp below 120 degrees most of the time.  There are other amps I have seen mentioned on this list that don't function well till they get to 130 degrees. 

It is within your budget, fully balanced, etc...  The Ultima 5 & 6 are very new but are really sweet.  Chords sound tends to be very refined and a hair analytic.  Perfect for pairing with a tube preamp.  Paired with your other ARC Ref gear, I would think it would give you a really nice sound profile. 

My hunch is the Ultima 6 is going to finally replace my Rogue Hydra after 6 year.  PM if you want to learn more as I am a fully authorized Chord dealer.  
cowan217's avatar
cowan217
112 posts
 
Folks suggesting Pass either haven’t owned one or are ignoring they run hot, really hot- all the time at every listening level due to their high bias and class A operation. I have a 250.8 and love it- it heats my 13 x 23 listening room up to 74 degrees in the dead of winter- and the room has no other heat source! It’ll go up to 76 in the summer. I recently bought a pair of Bel Canto REF 600 to run in the spring and summer months. Great amps, totally cool due to Class D, Great reviews in Stereophile. Sound pretty close to the 250.8 on a pair of Harbeth SHLS5 Super +
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Wow, this thread started almost 5 years ago.  @shaq -- did you make an amp decision?
runwell
279 posts
 
Audio Research Ref 150 is in top line, I don't think you can find one to replace it at same performance.
Just change the Tube ,it is not so difficult.
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