To echo what someone said above a great strategy is to buy used, tons of great SS amps in your price range and below. Buy smart and resell and try something else until you settle on your final amp. If done right it can really cost little above your initial outlay. Plus its fun!
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!