Amp to drive PSB Goldi ??

There is one word you need to keep in mind above all others with this speaker, CURRENT. Most people have NO idea how difficult a load this speaker actually presents. That means big solid state, which you understand. Tube amps need not apply. In my opinion, the best match(price/performance) in your list for this speaker is the NAD. NAD amps have no problems driving extremely difficult loads, and going into WAYY low impedences. At your higher price level, I would suggest one amplifier that makes a very synergistic match with the Goldi, the Carver Lightstar or Sunfire by Bob Carver(same amp under their skins). They drive the heck out of the Goldi. You will not be disappointed. Also add McCormack to the Bryston price level, but the Sunfire/Lightstar are DEFINITELY the best amps in your price range. If you have not yet purchased the speakers, I can put you in contact with a guy who sells them new for what most sell them for used.

Trelja, Thank you for your response. I would be interested in your contact. I was looking at a used pair in the $1500 range. Any help would be greatly appriciated.

I would look for a tube friendly set of speakers.To think that you are limited by a speaker choice tells me that the designer of the speaker has some work to do.

TM12, if you read me on this site, one thing you know is that I am a tube freak. That being said, not all equipment is good with all equipment. PSB Goldi speakers are difficult to drive. They are not tube friendly. That is an objective statement. It has nothing to do with them being a good design, or a poor design. They are just a 4 ohm load(many drivers are 4 ohm), and dip even lower in the lower frequencies, and also exhibit a pretty high phase angle. Getting away from simple(1st order) crossovers further burdens an amp. Some feel the paybacks are sonically worth it. In reality, Paul S. Barton(PSB), the designer and owner of the company is one of the best loudspeaker designers in the business(just look at all of his critically acclaimed designs). He is at the forefront of the Canadian loudspeaker phalanx, who have taken advantage of the National Testing Laboratory to develop themselves into some of the world's best speaker companies. In addition to PSB, there are Paradigm, Energy, and Coincident(which you and I both own), etc. Other PSB speakers are tube friendly(particularly their cheaper products). Easy to drive speakers can do things PSB cannot, AND vice versa. Listen to Goldi with the right ancillary equipment, and you may agree that they are a wonderful product. Kevin_Haskins, the dealer is in my area(Philadelphia, PA suburbs), and sells demos for about $1700. With some negotiation, I know you can do better, or even do well on a virgin pair.

Trelja, I have listened to the NAD driving these speakers and I must say, tasty.. The NAD is the cheapest and I guess that I wanted to know all my options before taking the plunge. Have also heard that the Bryston is a good match but the price difference is a barrier. I would try the Carver but don't have a source close which is has one in stock and wouldn't ask for them to order one just so that I could return it. I think the NAD is going to get the nod. Thanks so much for your informed input.