need 2 channel amp

I would also add to your list,if you're looking at solid state is an amplifier by Atoll Electronique.I picked up the IN 100SE integrated in December and still enjoying it.Inexpensive new or used.Frequencies are nice top to bottom with great soundstage and detail.It bettered a Bryston and Simaudio integrated in my system.Worth researching.

Bob_Reynolds I find your opinion abit discouraging knowing that at the price range at which I search for ss a amp may be for not if anything available at that cost is more of a lateral movement than an upgrade. That being said, would you recommend tubes over ss equipment? I am a complete novice when it comes to tube gear so jumping to tubes makes me a little nervous but not enough to where I would'nt love to try.

Harman Kardon hk3490. Less than 300 new. Will equal the performance of any amp mentioned and beat them all in terms of reliability. Comes with a tuner to boot. :) You can always tell your audiophile friends that visit, that you just bought it to use until your meag-amp is repaired. That happens a lot. They won't suspect a thing.

Get a Plinius integrated amp

I want to thank everyone for their input. I have been reseaching all the amps brought to my attention and am really liking what I see from the odyssey and jolida. Im a little hesitant about the jolida since I have never been around tube gear before. Not that I think its a bad Idea I just not sure what I'm doing when it comes to tubes. If anyone knows of any good reading for a novice tuber(not sure if thats the right description) I would greatly appreciate you passing it on to me.

I was at a local dealer and he was pushing Rotel and Arcam, any thaughts on these amps.

A used McCormack DNA 0.5 with Steve's A revisions should be in that price range. Lots of detail and transparency with good musicality relative to other solid state amps. Best of luck.

Ditto the Jolida 502P (note to Wilson 667..the KT120's haven't melted it yet)...everyone should have one of these and if you don't have one, well...that's too damn bad.

For SS, audition the Odyssey Audio Khartago, ~$1K. It's warm, yet detailed. For tubes, look into Jolida.

If you are looking for good, clean, two-channel power, you may wish to consider the refurbished ("factory reconditioned") JBL Synthesis S800 listed in the harman online store.

http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=S800-Z&status=

Thank you for your responses. I am looking to spend no more than $1000 on an amp. I have'nt given tube amps any consideration but would give them a serious look if you feel the studio 20s are a good match with tubes. I have no experience with tubes but would love to learn. My room size is 13X16 and set up for a home theater but I myself am more of a music guy than movies. I listen to mostly Rock,Blues,Alt, and Indie. I guess I would like to seperate my home theater from my music without starting over. I am running a marantz 5005 into studio 20s and cc 490 with the lfe into an ultra cube 10. I think the marantz does a nice job but feel a seperate amp might clean things up a little. So feel free and throw some ideas out there because I need some guidance.

We could use a little more info like your budget,tube or solid state, what type of music you listen to, size of your room. I have a Jolida jd502p Tube amp powering some monitors and a sub in a small room and absolutely love it.I listen to mostly rock some jazz an some acoustic. It is a great bargain on the used market selling around $600-$800.The 502p has a wonderful warm and detailed sound and tube rolling can help tailor the sound and not to mention it is a lot of fun.

Wmbode,

Do you have a price point in mind? With that open ended question you may get suggestions all across the board, $400.00 amps to $4000.00 amps. If you are watching your pennies, you can get good quality used mid priced amps for entry level prices.

The likes of B&K, Parasound, Rotel, NAD, Acurus, all have offerings that are affordable on the used market.

Bill