Pass Labs or Audio Research Solid State Amplifiers


I was considering Pass Labs or Audio Research solid state amps and preamps. Which one of these do you think would sound better? I am open to suggestions, I just dont want a budget amplifier, as that is what I have had so far. FYI, I have never owned a amp that cost more than $1700 or a pre that cost more than $900....

I listen mostly to music like metalica and megadeath.
I listen to my music pretty loud. I would figure I would need an amp as powerful as the one I use now -- even though I NEVER turn it up to its full limits. The amp I use now is a budget amp that is 200w x 2 into 8 ohms, 300w x 2 into 4 ohms. Any and all suggestions of what to do and specific model numbers will be appreciated! Help Please!!!
verybestaudio

Showing 1 response by fujindemon

i think people here will want to know about your associated gear, especially the speakers you are using or speakers you plan to use. the speaker/amp combo should be well thought out for synergy. if you are using a budget speaker, you will likely upgrade that after your amp purchase, and some, including myself, do not think you should proceed this way.
i would pick the speaker i wanted to voice and then choose from an appropriate selection of amps. consider, if you have a fairly to highly efficient speaker (>= 90db sensitivity with a fairly flat impedance curve) you will likely not need a monster ss amp and may find yourself very satisfied with a pass aleph series.
the bottom line is that many feel the amp should be chosen for the speaker it is intended to drive and rarely the other way around.
let us know more about your system