I second the Odyssey. It is the best sounding amp to ever grace my living room and there isn’t much out there for under 5 grand that will compete (except for Liberty Audio). I have the Stratos stereo extreme that you can get new from Odyssey for around 2500.00. Although Klaus rates the amp at 160wpc, it has much more power than that (very conservatively rated) with huge power reserves. I bought my amp (he custom builds them for you) without ever listening to it and couldn’t be happier. I have had mine for 7 years and it’s in my 45K two channel system and I have no desire to change. I like it better than the 5,500.00 Magtech amp which a friend brought over to my home for me to audition.
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!