Best amps for rock and heavy metal

Bomberman, I'm afraid you'll end up with as many opinions as replies!

If someone told me I could have any of the amps on your list as a birthday present, I'd go with an Accuphase. I'm not familiar with those particular models, but every Accuphase amp I've heard was superb.

The McIntosh would be my next choice. The Levinson 436 monoblocks mentioned by Jim Swantko are also excellent.

Duke

Again, Thank Duke
In my list, accuphase place in the top position. Local dealer tole me about new P7100 coming soon, in this new year. *It's my first choice.*

Accuphase is more musical than other amps (IMO). However it provide less power than other amps (such as Mcintosh). I'm worry about bass control.

I am also a Metal fan. Last year, I bought a hybrid amp, the Vincent SV-236 and I am very happy with it. Strong bass and voices and electric guitars sound very good.

Regards,

No one does bass slam like Krell. Levinson is awesome too, but much darker sounding-not mention overpriced. If your doing alot of this type of music you owe it to yourself to listen to Krell. I have had a krell for years and it did well for me when I listened to more rock. I toned it down now with some tube front end pieces, but go all SS and consider Krell.

"best" is such a subjective term. But, I can tell you from personal experience that Audio Research (specifically the 150.2 and 300.2); classe, mcintosh, sim audio, ayre all do rock well. How well they perform will depend on many factors including your room, the preamp matched with the amp, speakers, cables, and associated sources.