Downsizing from Audio Research REF110 to 100.2

I would recommend you try a solid state amp, such as Classe CA-2200, McIntosh MC402 or Pass Labs X250.5 or X350.5 or McCormack DNA-500.

I think any one of these amplifiers will be a good fit. Besides, any one of these should be a good match with the REF3. JMO of course. If you go with any of the above mentioned amps used, you don't have much to worry about because you can easily sell them here. You can also try the Pass amps that Tvad and Pubul recommended, although I am not sure how loud you like to listen to your system, you may be somewhat limited with 30 or 60w/ch.

For those who don't know, as good as the ARC 100.2 was, it has been surpassed (without any doubt) by the new ARC SD 135. I owned the 100.2 and have the SD 135 -- and a VT100MKIII. I sure wouldn't go from a REF110 to the 100.2. Your problem is somewhere else.

I wouldn't "downsize" at all. The REF 110 is a great amp, but if you want to go the SS route, what I would do is sell the REF-110 and buy a HD-220. Tons of power, great base and still the resolution and musicality of tubes that we all like ... and its a good match for your REF-3.

The Ref 110 is one of the very best amps made. I think you are making a huge mistake.

After almost 3 years I thing all of you deserve a response.

Some months later I bought an ARC 100.2 and I tried in my system for several weeks, almost all of you were right, the REF110 is much better than the 100.2, specially because it is closer to the real music. Only the bass was tight and with more punch in the 100.2, but the emotion of vocals and highs with the REF110 was missing in the 100.2.
This does not mean the 100.2 is a bad amplifier, I thing the majority of audiophiles could live with it.
It is curious that I sold the 100.2 to the same person who I bought it because he missed it after trying other amps.

Then I discover that the fault in my system had to do with the speakers (Proac D38), or rather with the isolation with the floor (which is made of marble). I bought some RDC cones and a methacrylate platform which improved the bass response with a overall improvement, only was introduced a bit resonance in mids frequencies.

After a couple of years with a satisfactory setup I want to explore a bit the possibilities with isolation and room condition. I will create another post for that.

Many thanks everybody.