Amps that can Rival A Levinson No. 332 around 3K?

If the 332 has been recapped I would go for it. Great amp. The 334 is another good one. If I were to get a Pass amp I would try the 250.5 and not the 250. The 250 to my ears was very detailed and fatiguing in the midrange. Very good bass I must admit.

I have owned several ML amps and also the commonly recommended Pass amps (by others on this thread). Personally, I much prefer the Levinson amps! I have owned the 331.5 and now a 334. I have never had any issues with either one and the 334 is powerful enough to drive any of the speakers I presently own (Wilson W/P, Thiel CS6, Gemme Audio, Magnepans) in a medium sized room to more than satisfying levels.

Should you ever need service, you can have caps replaced for a fraction of the cost charged by Harmon/Levinson/whoever is now owning them. Typically about $500 will re-cap the entire amp with better sounding, performing and reliable caps.

I would recommend considering a 334/6 or the 43X series.

I have owned 3 Pass Labs amps 150, 150.5, Aleph 5 and recognize their strengths, but was never that crazy about any of them in comparison to other amps. I prefer all class A (which the Aleph 5 offered - but not enough total power). I find the Pass amps when reaching into Class B really suffer (150(.5)/250(.5)/350(.5)) and no longer perform to the levels that are acceptable to me. Though when you get to the 350.5 you have a lot more room to operate in Class A before the SQ drops off.

By your (OP's) comments on alternative ML amps being the 333, 335, 336 my question is what type of speaker/room size he needs to address. You can get the 334 for right around your $3K level and it sounds better than the 333 (though without as much power).

I agree with Ckoffend. I think the Pass amps just don't sound as natural as the Levinsons. The Levinsons are neutral and don't hide anything without being harsh or brittle. Just accurate to the source. Another buddy of mine has owned a Pass and several Levinsons and prefers the Levinsons.

I appreciate all the Info and views. It seems like I am going to have to pick a Pass amp and compare and see what I think. I can say I do believe everything is system specific as to which amp would do better so it will be an interesting test.

Anyone every try a Jeff Rowland model 5? I only ask because there are 2 for sale within a couple hours drive and wondering if its worth the trip, Also do these sell fast on audiogon? I dont really want to buy an amp I cant sell easily

Thanks

Toby

Forget about Rowland and Pass; they are not for the kind of music you prefer. They will play it while trying to spit it out at the same time. Stay with Levinson and you'll be fine.