Best amps for rock and heavy metal

I tried the Levinson 432 and found the 336 to be much much better to my ears (eventhough the 432 is rated at 50W more power). I was honestly un-impressed with all the 4xx series that I listened to (I heard all the current 2-channel 4xx's).

I wouldn't hesitate to try the 436 mono's however. I have also heard that the 3-channel Levinson (433 maybe?) is a very good sounding amp - but is lower powered.

To me - I still think the later 3xx series (334/335/336) are tough to beat.

My experience with Krell is that they are superb in the lower frequencies - but I didn't care for them otherwise.

No experience with the Mcintosh or accuphase.

Hope that helped a little good luck.

Bomberman writes:

About my speakers; I choose Electra 1027BE 'cos I love model, sound and it suitable for placed in my small room (without any room acoustic problem).

How small?

Do you have a SPL meter (like a cheap RadioShack model) to get an idea of what levels you are listening at? If so, what readings are you typically seeing. If not, I think if you are serious about heavy metal at high SPLs, you need to know.

What is your current amplifier, and how loud can it go before distortion?

You say you don't have "any room acoustic problem" at the moment. This may not be the situation in the future as you crank up the level.

Regards,

Thank Jim for your opinion about ML 3 and 4 series

My experience with Levinson 432 and thiel CS2.4 in dealer showroom is good (not best). Probably from thiel speakers is not design for rock music (IMO)?

I'll try some more with levinson series 3 next week.

i am a rock music fan at least 90 percent of the time, my nuforce ref 9ses have the power to drive my tylers to very high decibels with out any strain, and with absoulte super musical presentation, and you can try them in your system for a 30 day trial, good luck

Bomberman, I'm afraid you'll end up with as many opinions as replies!

If someone told me I could have any of the amps on your list as a birthday present, I'd go with an Accuphase. I'm not familiar with those particular models, but every Accuphase amp I've heard was superb.

The McIntosh would be my next choice. The Levinson 436 monoblocks mentioned by Jim Swantko are also excellent.

Duke