New/Used Amp recommendations for about $3k-$4k?


I'm looking some new Paradigm Founder Series 100f speakers and would like to get rid of my Emotiva UPA-1 mono blocks for something else. 

I really like the form factor of these amps and have been very happy having them and they will make the next buyer happy also but I want some thing very detailed and clean. 

I just got rid of Emotiva XPR-1 mono blocks after hearing the 100f's on them and could absolutely hear the detail and cleanliness those amps had with these speakers. 

What do you think?
todd1010
What about the Parasound Halo A21+?

What about the Bryston 4B3?


I like John Curl’s design criteria and circuit topography over Bryston.
I would prefer 2 x used JC1’s over a new A21+ for similar money. Then if you can get a cheaper used A21+ for even less ??? but there’s no high Class-A bias switch like on the JC1’s and that’s a BIG + for me for serious listening.
They also have switchable input sensitivity from 50mV to 250mv perfect for unity gain active preamps or passives pre’s, like the Schiit Freya and Freya+ that have all basses covered passive, tube, or solid state.

Cheers George
Formerly owned the Bryston 4B3. Very respectable and versatile amp. Did a total system swap for my current BAT hardware including VK-255SE (best SS amp I ever owned). BAT VK for sale here at a negotiable $4500.
I wouldn’t suggest using a prepro with a good amp as it’ll just be a bottleneck to your overall system performance.  Just my $0.02.  Best of luck. 
no idea what improvement is possible over the emotiva’s you mentioned, as i have never heard them

in the price range (roughly) you mention, used, i would personally lean towards a hegel h20, or if less watts is needed, a pass or first watt amp

these are exceptionally good yet affordable solid state power amps

the benchmark amplifier is well known for its very clean detailed (if slightly lean) sound


I don’t think the monster preamp as mention above is a bottleneck because I’ve heard these speakers on the same preamp with the XPR-1 mono blocks and they sounded so sweet and detailed. 
I’m looking for an amp with as much detail as the XPR-1’s but don’t have the big form factor. I had to keep the XPR’s out on the floor on granite because they were monster sized amps and weight over 100lbs. 

My 8805 has a very nice 2 channel setup feature that allows for some nice 2 channel stereo listening. It’s not just a movie preamp. 
I have the same four sub woofers in each corner of my room for lost of bass.