Looking for a new powerful amp.


I just purchased a Audio Research Ref 3. Now I'm looking to purchase a new amp. My current speakers are Tannoy system 1200's. the new amp must be able to play very loud at times. the type of music ranges from R&B to Hip Hop to Pop.
I may eventually be changing the speakers to Vandersteens 5a's.
I was thinking maybe a Krell amp???

please give me any feedback you might have on the speakers and amps.
thanks!
jon_p
Jon p, its hard to give you the information you are seeking because your question is so general. Do you prefer SS vs. tubes, even though you mentioned Krell, if I got my facts straight if you go the the Vandersteen 5a's they have built-in subwoofer amps, so you might not need as much power as you would with other speakers. You have a great new pre-amp, so I would believe that you have a budget that would allow you to audition many reference level amps to match the performance level and cost of the AR Ref 3. I would recommend that you audition such amps as an Edge NL-10.1, Pass LabsX-350.5, or the Ayre's latest amp. They are all wonderful sounding and might be what you are looking for, but your personnal taste and synergy with your gear, would lead to your decision. I went through a process of auditioning over six different amps and decided on the Pass LabsX-350.5 in my system. Hope this helps.
I have heard the 5as powered with the newer Parasound monoblocks with excellent results. Very neutral and really made the Vandersteens very dynamic.
Thanks for the responses so far...

Teajay, I've been a fan of SS for many years, I currently have a Proceed Hpa-2 in the system that i listed. And i have Levinson 436's in another system with Revel Salons.
That being said, I've come to really appreciate the tube sound. My main concern with the system i've listed is a dynamic powerful amp that will compliment the music i will be listening to. Also, the Vandersteen's are just one choice that was suggested to me. I will be auditioning them next weekend.
If anyone has any other suggestions about Amps or Speakers, please let me know.
I am using the Pass Labs X250.5 with a tube preamp right now and it is a wonderful combination. Best my system has ever sounded. I see several demo 250.5's on sale now at really good prices. Consider it.
Jon p, when I went through my auditioning process it included three highly regarded tube amps, along with the solid state contenders that I listed in my first response. If, you like what I call the "musicality/liquidity" of tubes, but want the extension,details, and slam of SS, please audition a Pass LabsX-350.5 in your system. I posted a review on the 350.5 here on the GON that will give you more details and hopefully will be helpful to you. I never say any piece is the "BEST" in the world, there's many great sounding gear, however I think Mr. Nelson Pass really came up with a winner in his new .5 series amps. They give you the warmth/ease of the highly acclaimed Aleph series, with great dynamics/details of the first generation X amps.