Levinson vs Threshold vs Plinius vs Bry

You could also try a Krell KAV-250a. Very musical, very authoritative bass (though not quite as much as the biggest amps). But by far the best combination of positive attributes in an affordable and convenient package; AND EXTREMELY POWERFUL (500 wpc into 4 ohms). I have no problem driving 90 db sensitivity speakers to 100 dB at a TEN FOOT listening distance in a 4200 cubic foot room. See the rave review in the January/February The Perfect Vision (the home theater magazine from The Absolute Sound). THEY CAN BE HAD USED FOR AROUND $2k.

If I were you, I'd change to tube friendly loud speakers. Von Schweikert speakers are all tube friendly. I'm currently using VAC 35 watter (half of yours) with Von Schweikert and getting planty of quality bass. Other option to consider is to buy CJ SS amp to bi-amp (vertical) or go to VTL MB250 or higher output amp. Generally, tube friendly speakers will stay within 6 to 9 ohm. A little known fact is that Von Schweikert always vioce his speakers with tube amp. Remember that there is a very good reason way you love your CJ P11A. I know the sound of it.

Your point is well taken SK regarding the P11A. I had a hard time with the decision but I feel the Proac's are even more of a special item than P11 (by a very slim margin) so I am going the route I am. I will keep my CJ Pv12 preamp however to keep most of the tube glory going. Still searching for the ideal solid state amp for listening preference and my Proac's. Thanks

I owned a Bryston 4BST. It is a very good amp and the price coupled with the build quality and the 20 year warranty give it a lot of value. This is not a warm or sweet amp. I hear a little brightness from it (my Maggie 3.5s are very revealing). Bass is very good and mids are right there. The only reason I sold it is because I auditioned a Levinson 332 at my house and it never left. You will always find used Bryston amps for sale and if you decide you want to upgrade you should have no problem selling it.

Rayd, I am auditioning a Bryston 3BST as we speak and I must say I'm amazed at the little guy. My fiancee' and i are really putting it thought it's paces and for our ears there are no weaknesses. Slightly less "magic" than the Premier 11a but FAR less compromise than I expected in the midrange area where the CJ shines. The quickness and authority in the low and mid bass plus a really neutral midrange and great top end (not the lest bit hard but "right there")create the sense of a live performance we both really like. I am going to sleep on it a few days and keep throwing different music at it but at this point, I believe I will soon own a pair of them.