Solid state amplifier $2K Used or New

One thing about a krell ksa100, you won't lose much money if you decide to trade it out in the future. they seem to hold their value like those old levinson amps and somebody always wants the old classics. I use one for my bass on a bi-amp system and they're a battleship for sure as well as reliable. Plus, krell has a good customer service dept. and will repair them should trouble arise. These days, I don't buy anything from a high end audio company unless they've been around 10 years--after getting screwed a few times by these guys going under years ago and get put in a bind just because you're looking for a 3% sonic improvement. You've already narrowed it down quite well.

I don't like the 805s with Krell or NAD. I think The 805s are too dry to be paired with amps that white and analytical sounding. The NAD in particular is no good. It sounds a little bleached out and harsh to me. I think Classe is a natural choice for B&W. Tubes, although, would probably be better. It depends on what sort of sound your going for. This is just my opinion as I perhaps like a smoother sound than some.

I suggest a used Rowland m 2 for sligtly above 2k$. Absolut fantastic sound. It was much better than my previosly owned Pass Aleph5 in every aspect. As a bonus the best build quality I have ever seen and its strikingly beautiful

Hello-
I've owned an Ayre V3. I never thought I would say this but you really owe it to your self to hear an Audio Research 100.2, depending on what your impedence match is between your amp and preamp the difference can be night and day. I had been useing an Audible Illusions M3A with my Ayre and it never came to life. The Ayre is fairly low. The 100.2 was a text book match with my AIM3A. The difference is better high and low end and dynamics in spades. I could never figure it out why reviewers never empraised the 100.2 although that should never be an issue when auditioning a amp. Do yourself a favor and go listen to one. By the way the Krell will make your ears bleed, the BAT is preety good and the McCormack is great bang for the buck. IMHO...All the Best-Gary

Some additional suggestions: Aragon 8008BB dual monoblocks (loads of current control for nice, tight bass. Used around $1800), Belles 150A Hot Rod (liquid, musical sound, around $1500 new, I think).