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NEED TO REPLACE OLD FAITHFUL- WHICH AMP. SHOUD I CHOOSE

27 Years ago I purchased a brand new Audio Research D400 Mk.2 Amplifier. 200 Watts per channel solid state. Last weekend the capacitors blew out. I talked to Greg at Audio Research and he told me they do not work on this model because of it's age and that parts are no longer available. I need to buy a new amp. I have an Audio Research Ref. 5 SE pre amp and use Dali Helicon 800 mk. 2 speakers that are 89.5 efficiency.

The list of amplifiers that I am considering are as follows.

Coda 16, McIntosh MC462, Aesthetix Atlas Stereo, 

On the tube side I am considering,

Zesto Audio Bia120,  VTL S120, Ayon Triton Evo Mono's and maybe Audio Research Reference 160S but that really stretches the budget.

Does anyone have any of these amps?  I would really appreciate your suggestions.  So far I kind of like the Coda 16

motorheadflash
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woots
295 posts
 

@motorheadflash 

Within the past year I have upgraded from McIntosh monoblocks to the Audio Research 160S. I liked it so much I got the Ref6SE. To be honest, I was a bit nervous but have never looked back. In the future I will add the reference phono stage as well because that’s how happy I am with the tube sound. 
 

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

docknow
312 posts
 

Also, consider a used ARC REF150SE for a lot less money than a 160S

motorheadflash OP
10 posts
 

WOW Thanks for all the great input. I am still waiting to hear from the repair shop on what is actually wrong with my old amp. I know this service tech. and he will want to do a full repair. I know he will not overcharge me. I have had many pieces of ARC equipment over the years, and have loved them all. This is the first time any of it has broken down. After 27 years I'm not disappointed. Ref. 150SE sounds like a great idea. Although I love the looks of that Accuphase. I will keep you all posted

ghdprentice
7,020 posts
 

@motorheadflash

 

Great combination isn’t it. I also have a REF 3 Phonostage and a REF 9se DAC / CD player. The DAC was a real game changer for me, making the digital end natural and musical like my analog end.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
572 posts
 

BELLES......That's all you need to know !

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