Best used Solid State Amp $1500.00

My musical tastes are relatively close to yours. I have tried well over 30+ amps in the last three years and found the two listed below to be very well balanced and excellent full range performers. Both are relatively available on the used market. A very nice sounding amp for the money is a Forte' 6 or 6A. These were designed by Nelson Pass when he was with Threshold. The only difference between the standard 6 and the 6A is that the A also offers balanced inputs along with the standard RCA's. These are very "sweet & airy" while still delivering reasonable punch on the bottom end. Excellent detail yet not analytical enough to make you forget that your enjoying the music. Plenty of oomph for most occasions ( 200 @ 8 / 350 @ 4 ). They typically run about $600 to $650 on the used market in good shape with box and manual. If you don't need that much power, the 4 or 4A will suffice. The 6 is the AB version of the full Class A model 4 that is rated for 50 @ 8 and 100 @ 4. Cost is about the same as the 6 / 6A. Next on the list would be the standard Sunfire amp. You might be amazed at how good this amp sounds. Not quite as "sweet & airy" as the Forte' 6, but still excellent for the cash. Bass has more impact while retaining a good / smooth high end. It is a nicely balanced amp. Don't write this amp off because of any "hoopla" about "Sideshow Bob". You can find these for anywhere between $800 ( KILLER deal ) up to about $1200. Depending on if you like to "play", you can even try bi-wiring your system using the various combinations of "current" or "voltage" outputs on this amp. Sean >

Try a Bryston 4B ST. This is a great sounding, 250 wpc solid state amp. It has gotten great reviews, and comes with a 20 year transferable warrenty.

I would definately put the Bryston 3BST or the McCormack 0.5 or DNA 1 on your short list. They both have more than enough oomph to drive your paradigms, sound good, and come in at your price point.

Musical Fidelity a300 (I have the A3) or Chiro c200. You will save a lot of money on the chiro.No disappointments with either one,however. Alan

Cant go wrong with a THRESHOLD amp.You can most likely get a S-200 or s-300 in your price range.Sweet highs and slamming bass.Sold mines for a C-J and boy do i miss it.Steve