Best Class A Amp under $2,000 used?

Yes it is good question.  I want one silver in relatively good shape about 4-5 years old.  I'd like about 250 -300 watts.  

I would be fine with an amp that went into a/b mode after so many watts.  I'm assuming that it makes less difference after a certain volume level and would drive down cost.  Is that correct on both counts? What about specific models in the used 3 k range?  Any recommendations with the updated criteria? 

Thank you @digepix .  I will have a look!

I had no idea most class A type amps switch into alternate AB power after a set threshold. This is really cool though.  Just looking for advice on a great solid state choice in the 2k -  3k range.  So far Pass designs are king.  Let me know if there are any others. Bryston??  

With regards to Glennewdick's comment -  
What about the more vintage class A power amps such as Acuphase or Luxman?  Which models were you thinking?  

What about 70's power amps like Marantz, Sansui or Pioneer?  Are these considered garbage sounding vs the modern age or are they comparable? 

Interesting  - thanks!  

Part of my inspiration to move to solid state was a purchase of a Kenwood 700 M which I think sounds amazing compared to my ICE powered amp. I figured a modern solid state version would be even better.  The Threshold looks nice.

Sorry for the confusion.  I think my speakers require too much power for me to consider a pure Class A that I could afford.   I like the sound of the Kenwood 700 M over my Peachtree Grand (ICE Power) so was going to move to solid state / with DAC for the living room.   Phusis info was very good.  I'm totally Ok with A/AB designs.  If an amp can drive the speakers at class A for the first 20% or so I am totally ok with that.  Basically what would you look at with 2-3k budget on used market? 

What is a better amp/ deal:

The Threshold 350e mentioned in the above thread or this Pass x 3 amp with link below?

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649340044-pass-labs-x3-150w-x3/?utm_campaign=new-watchlist-added&...

Thank You for all of the feedback and recommendations on these questions.  I am going to take a few days to look some of these amps up.  I wish I could sit in a room, listen and compare them over a couple of days but I get a feeling that is not going to happen (ha)

Interesting @lowtubes that the older amps can still hang with more modern technology. I like the idea of a professionally refurbished older amp because some of them have a great cosmetic appeal as well.  The Belles SA-100 and most Pass amps have a great look to them as well.  About 20% of my choice would be based on this ( especially since I can't hear them). 

@Phusis -Thanks for the well written piece.  I didn't know that some of the better D amps draw comparisons/characteristics of class A.  Nothing wrong with liquidity.  I have a Peachtree Grand which is ICE and nice but I find it sort of lacking bite and texture at lower volume levels.  

One thing I didn't mention is that my Kenwood 700 M & Wadia Dac 321 is in a smaller carpeted room and the Grand system is in a larger room with a tiled floor.  The larger room does have a rug, furniture and broad band sound panels.  I will have to do an amp switch to make sure it's not the room vs the amps.  

@sumwhat  Are you saying there is (less than optimal) legacy equipment available at some price points while (optimal) legacy equipment at perhaps higher price points ?


"As the components, and various engineering trade-offs, of legacy systems become rare- available inventory inelasticity changes the value...non-linearly.   This all works against you."

Yes.  I have seen a couple of discussions on the forum about that subject.  A good point. I could see how certain sounds can bring you to memories of how things should sound vs how they actually sound.  As I wasn't privy to owning very good sound systems as a teenager or young adult, I might not be as inherently partial to legacy equipment.  Maybe I would be better off getting hooked on the new technology if it is superior based on the latest testing equipment.  Does anyone care to recommend which amp companies are on the cutting edge of newer technology with in reasonable budgets?  (Whether you like it or not)

I went with the Pass Labs XA30 but use them for smaller book shelf speakers (KEF 201/2) -not the Dalis.  I absolutely love it.   For the floor standing Dalis (euphonia ms-4), I went with a Modwright 150 SE set up.