Agoners: Need Advice! Have 3K to spend on an Amp, what do I do with no way to audition?


Looking for a solid State Amp, something that will go for 30 years or more (My Last Amp), so I don't need high maintenance, with at least 200 WPC @ 8 ohm load.  SO many to choose from...I've narrowed my choices down to several brands, due to the consistency of great reviews; Krell, Pass Labs, Audio Research, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Classe.  Now looking serious at a couple by Krell or Pass.  I love most types of music, classical, jazz, rock, punk, electronica, metal, but not Rap & Country.  I love great detail in my music, fast and bold but rich and  warm, played soft or loud with a big soundstage, love bass slam and crisp highs, too much midrange hurts my ears. Which amp does it all???  Wife has me limited to this, you know how that is :(...Please help me out here folks...I've been in this dilemma for a few years, it's time to make a decision and buy! 
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Showing 1 response by glennewdick

i’ll second the Bryston Amps they have been making gear for decades and stand behind everything they make. They do a huge amount of business with the pro side that’s why they can back their stuff with 20 Year warranty as they have a rep to stand by and build for punishment on the road. you would be surprised at home many bands travel with Bryston gear for their live events. that said the newer stuff has a good rep for durability and sound quality.

Just a side noet when I started out in Audio 20 years ago I had a 15 year old bryston pre-amp that needed work I sent it to them and they completely rebuild it upgrading all the old inputs to gold plated ones and updated the transformers came back better then new. They will be here 30 years form now...

IMHO they build better quality then Classe for the money. Sound wise that’s user defined.