Old NAD or newer high powered Denon?

Absolutley!! If at all possible go for the SE240 120 watts per channel. This is a scaled down version of the XL280. Fewer mosfets in output stage (4 per channel) and simpler/small driver boards, but it has the same JFet input circuit. I have listened to hundreds of transitor and tube amps over the years and I can not think of a better amp for the dollar.....typical Hafler. And for some fun try to find an old Dynaco ST70 at a garage sale and have some fun compairing.... Larry

Larry, great minds think alike -- ST-70.

Hifibear, your objection to tubes isn't clear, "imagine missing tubes". You suspect your kids might steal them? Many Dyna ST-70s can be found with original cage which is screwed on to the chassis. If the little buggers are that persistent, nothing is likely to stop them from messing up something.

Nothing against the SE240, I never heard one. I just know that near magic can be found with a decent tube amp and Vandy speakers.

Pryso and Hifibear, sorry getting long winded. FYI the last versions of the Hafler amps with Jfet driver/Mosfet output play (not sound) my hard to drive speakers like a tube amp. When the absolute sound reviewed the XL280 the reviewer loved it but as usual HP POO POOed it. I loved David Hafler's response..talk about speaking from authority about designs. He said his amp would compete with any $2000+ amp and I agree. The only transistor amp that I have heard that compares is the BAT amps...few more dollars. The Haflers do very in "whiteish" sound in the midrange that HP heard..but let them break in and warm up it goes away. One Tech told me that the class A point varied in the Haflers. If they run hot...good sound.

Pryso...I know. I'm a tube guy also... it is amazing how a good tube amp can "open up" speakers..especially with multiple drivers and complicated crossovers....and how a 30 watt tube amp can sound as "big" as a 200 watt transistor sometimes. FYI I just had a ARC ST70-C modified/updated per Bill Johnson's 2004 memo circulating on the internet. I was nervous about touching this amp because it sounded great anyway. But WOW! the magic in the midrange is more transparent and both the top end and bottom end have been extended. I own several expensive tube amps and I am looking at this little old box and wondering why would I hook anything else up?? This amp easily plays my DQ10s and Infinity RSIIbs . . . 30 watts are you kidding me??? I've had Threshold and Sumo class A amps die on these speakers?? go figure. I think I will go fire him up...again

Thanks all. You have all been a great help. I'm gonna look for a garage sale st70. Wish me luck.