C'mon name that amp ...please?

What do you guys think of the ARC HD220 hybrid amp? That was the ARC model I was thinking of in original post. I have read the Audiogon review where the guy loved it and then 4 months later didn't, but I suspect he is a true "tuber" and embraced the added dynamics and assumed clarity for a short time only.

Guys,
I've been switching back and forth between the ICE amp and a Cary SLI-80 integrated. They both have virtues the other one doesn't. This is probably an age old question that has been asked and answered a million times. I think I'm wasting your time. Thanks for all the responses, but I have to audition more amps in my system to get my answer. I should have known this from the start. Thanks again.

I have a Montana EPS2 and Pass INT-30A combo, which I like very much (it certainly has sweet mids/highs), but I suspect the pass 30s would be light on thump in your room. A lot of people around here have said the 60s are not hugely different than the 30s, which suggests the 100s, but I'm guessing they are out of price range, even used. (Mark at Reno hifi a great resource for Pass, btw).

As Robsker notes, I think it is worth calling Peter at PBN. I think he sometimes has deals on his amps, and he is a good guy to talk to; I suspect you could hit your pricepoint. Interestingly, Peter builds big A/B amps for his speakers, which is some evidence it might be the way to go. I ran my EPS2s with a big Odyssey, and while I prefer the Pass (as I ought, for the price difference), I miss the authority on the lows.

Let us know what you do.

John

The Aesthetix Atlas Stereo is a high powered hybrid amp that you might want to check out. Not only is it -IMHO- a fine sounding high output power amp, it's also unusually flexible in that it includes a very versatile low cut x-over function should you ever choose to bi amp.

IIRC, it's +/- $8k new, so a used piece (if you can find one) probably lands in your price range.

Good Luck.

Marty

Thanks everyone, I will report back, but it may be a while as getting amps to audition in my home is not an easy task, especially since I want to get one used.