Pass....Accuphase....or......

@atmasphere "There are class D amps now that easily challenge any class A amp ever made."

Sorry but I just have to ask.... Why do we rarely or never see the power specs of Class D amps below 4 Ohms? Atma Sphere class D is 100 watts per channel into 8 Ω and 200 watts per channel into 4 Ω.... and then? Many 4 Ohm speakers drop way under that. Do they clip? Crash or explode?;)

if load is lower than nominal, one of devices indeed goes into cutoff!

@westcoastaudiophile That's true of a single-ended class A amp too.

@southofdallas Our amps have an over-current protection circuit that shuts the amp down if too much current shows up. Its got no problem driving 2 Ohms other than that. For example if there is a dip in impedance to 2 Ohms, if the speaker is an ESL that drops to 2 Ohms in the highs its no worries.

@atmasphere "Our amps have an over-current protection circuit that shuts the amp down if too much current shows up."

The speakers I had before (Elipsa SE) went down to around 2 ohms at 100 Hz. It is a big difference then between shutting down and doubling the delivered power to 1 ohm or less. Of course, we are talking about twice the price maybe....and maybe class d is aimed at high efficiency speakers....but still. I can understand why some audiophiles are still buying heavy amps.

@southofdallas Here’s a little tip if you want the best sound for your investment $$$$.

The amp really should be loafing while doing its work. If your speaker is hard to drive the amp will make more distortion making it go. The result is the amp will sound less relaxed and less detailed because of the distortion increase which will be mostly higher ordered harmonics, to which the ear is keenly sensitive since it uses them to sense sound pressure.

On a speaker like yours if you push our amp too hard it will likely distort. The trick with any amplifier is simply make sure you have enough power so the amp is never working all that hard. Simply speaking you'd have to try it.

The problem is the more power you need for that, the harder it becomes to fine an amp that sounds like music rather than electronics.

You have gotten some great advice.  I don't think you would be disappointed with either Pass or Accuphase.  Ralph has also made a great suggestion with class D amps.  I might also suggest the Boulder 866 for your speakers .

The 866 is built like a tank and Boulders are extremely reliable.  200 watts @ 8 ohms and doubles @ 4 ohms.  Also a great company to deal with.

Good luck on your search!