Best vintage amps (late 70s / early 80s) under $3k?

Thanks for all the responses so far.

mrdecibel - No, the M-22 doesn't clip and sounds great. I've just noticed higher wattage amps have a little more "driver grip" (for lack of a better phrase). Heat is the bigger issue right now.

It's true there's not much info on my speakers online, but they're highly regarded by those who've heard them (mostly at audio shows which the designer Steven Norber frequents). You can see them here:

http://pranafidelity.com

glennewdick - Well, it depends on your definition of "better". In my opinion, to get a modern amp that’s of the same caliber as a vintage M-22 (generally around $1k used) you could potentially spend 5 to 10 times the price. I’m not ruling out contemporary audio equipment, but the really good stuff tends to be crazy expensive. This thread was designed to see if there are hidden vintage gems that can compete with today’s high-end offerings, without the need to sell a kidney.

mrdecibel - I wonder the same thing, but it's great to get recommendations from people who have been in the hobby far longer than myself. I google every amp that's suggested and read reviews and past forum discussions.

I wouldn't have bought the M-22 otherwise; that amp is truly loved by people who know what it's capable of. It's a shame about the heat, but hey, that Class A for you.

I do have a cool running 150W pre-lawsuit ODL (Odyssey Stratos) that's good for the summer months, but it's getting old (so old I wouldn't bother asking Klaus about refurbishment) and I can definitely do better.

I'm always hoping there are a few Audiogon-ers in the Los Angeles area that want to get together and shootout audio components over a few beers, but that doesn't always happen. You normally have to buy blind or hope there are a few audio stores around that have good demo rooms.

Regarding what you suggested; I actually know someone who has my speakers and a Nuforce STA 200 amp. He said it's decent, but not necessarily the best match. It's hear it's very impressive at first, but for longer listening sessions can get a little fatiguing due to the fast transient focus and slightly etched detail. Just one person's report though, I may still check it out.

Thank you, timlub. Anything specific from your list that sounded like the M-22 on steroids and didn't run hot? That's what I'm after, ideally.

I’ve spoken to someone who had an M-25. More power, inferior sound, and unfortunately just as much heat.

I know the guy who had the Tekton and M-22. He ended up getting a Don Sachs tube amp that he prefers. Tekton are very efficient speakers though, I used to own some.

I got a super experienced tech to refurbish my M-22. I asked about a new power cable, and he said "the line cord does not drop voltage when the power increases as it does in a class AB amp, so increasing the wire gauge buys you nothing. On the other hand, there are better quality line cords available. But again, I think the improvement will be subtle"... so I gave it a miss. I did get some Mundorf caps installed though, which are very nice. Gives the top end some sparkle, I think.

I've enough suggestions now to explore and make a decision upon. Thanks to everyone for contributing!