I have owned a Nakamichi PA7 amp. How would you

Hi Tide

I can't comment on the B&K or Parasound HCA 2200 II. Sorry. Now for under a grand if you can find it I'd try a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe. I have a pair of KEF 104/2s and for a bit I had a McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe powering them and in addition to the wide/vast soundstage the music was more forward. Since I had a smaller room it was a bit too forward for me and I moved to the smaller McCormack DNA .5 Deluxe and it was just enough for my 104/2s at the time.

Later I scored a deal on a Kavent S33 preamp (aka Vincent Audio SA93) and a Kavent P-3300 amp (aka Vincent Audio SP993) and this became my set-up for my KEF 104/2s. The S33/SA93 has remote capabilities and the P-3300 is a strong amp IMO that more than handles the KEF 104/2 speakers with ease. The P3300/SP993 if you can find them used should be under a grand. I've seen the S33(SA93) preamp used go for under $700 and that was a couple of years ago. It is probably cheaper now.

Best of luck with your search.

IMO Not much diff between PA7 and HCA2200. The Nak is a tad more detailed, the Parasound a bit warmer and looser in the bass. The Halo A23 series would be a step up though.

Its been a long time since I heard the Nak, but I thought it was a little on the bright side. Its been a long time, though. As stated above, the DNA-1 would probably work well for you. Rotel and Emotiva would be worth looking into, as well.

I am about to buy an amp tomorrow and would like an opinion. What is the best $800 dollar amp available used with at least 150 watts per channel? Thanks!

McCormack DNA-1, Odyssey Stratos would be better choices for a high powered amp. You can find either amp for your price and both can be upgraded in the future to bring them up to amazing products through SMc Audio for the McCormack and through Klaus over at Odyssey. Can't go wrong with either one.

+1 to Digepix suggestions.

I took a look at classified listings right now on A'gon and at $800 I'd look at the Aragon 4004 or the Marsh A400S. They more than match your criteria. Support for the Aragon is still available but for the Marsh no.

If you are thinking new I would say really take a look at the Emotiva XPA-2. Emotiva has a storefront on Amazon and are also having a warehouse sale so give them a call.

How would you compare the Aragon to a Bryston 3bst?

Well I finally settled on a amp. I purchased a Parasound A21 and now have to decide on a preamp or dac. I would like to connect my directv receiver and a cd player. Anyone want to chime in on my best direction? Budget is $1000. Going into Kef 104/2's

The Micromega MyDAC is a great unit and very reasonable priced at $399.