Budget Audiophile Looking For Amplifier Suggestions

Paraneer,

Either integrated or power amp would be acceptable.  I do have a couple of preamps, one is an AGI 511.

But I wouldn't let what I have as a preamp affect what I select as a power amp.  I could upgrade that later as well.

My main speakers are Meadowlark Audio Ospreys.

yogiboy,

Good question!

I've had good experiences buying nearly top shelf items of that era paying between 1/10 and 1/4 of the MSRP (back then) and it's still recent enough not to need a complete overhaul.

For years I've used vintage components that I rehabbed myself but I'm looking to get more recent.

I'll be 60 next summer and getting into the home stretch till retirement so I'm trying to be frugal.  I don't mind taking a risk on older components if I can get them at a good price because I've already done a good deal of electrical repair.

I definitely want components made either in US, Canada, or Japan.  That leaves a lot of the newer items out.

However, I just checked and see Van Alstine is made in the US, so thanks for the tip.

Kalali,

The Vincent is gorgeous but I don't think it's been around long enough such that used models are in my budget range.  If I'm wrong on this please advise.  Also, where is it made? I did a quick search but didn't find an answer to that.

To all those recommending Sunfires, Bob Carver designs have been on my list for a while.  Thanks for the recommendation!

I just found that Vincents are designed in Germany and built in China.

Everyone,

I'm pleased with all the responses and got a lot of good suggestions to keep an eye out for.

The one that's got me the most interested is the Odyssey Stratos.  It has the longevity to fit my time and (hopefully) discount parameters, but I do have a question about it.

The Odyssey is supposed to operate in class a for the first 10 watts and switch to class b above that.  How is that transition handled without inducing the dreaded GM doubling issue?

erik,

I'm not a fan of class a amps,  that's why I question the extended class a of the Stratos.  I'm sure it sounds great but I'd like to know how it's implemented.

In the case of each amp suggested above I've scanned google images and articles to get a handle the structure and construction along with the reviews and attributes.

One of the downsides (for me) of a lot of these amps is the lack of available schematics and service manuals.  I like to see how the basic electronic foundation is laid out and know I could repair it myself if necessary.

Along the same lines, the upside is that most of the discrete components they contain are still available.

Meadowman,

Glad to hear very positive comments from another ML fan.

I believe they are some of the best bargains on the used market today.

I currently have 5 pairs(!), Swifts, Ospreys, Kestrel HRs, Kestrel IIs, and Swallows. 

Dave mentions Mcintosh above.

I've looked at Macs for a long time and never saw one that I thought was reasonably priced;
talk about holding value!

I see an integrated suggested and would like to hear more recommendation there as well.