Pass Labs or Audio Research Solid State Amplifiers

You may want to consider a couple of older (early 90s) ARC
solid-state amps: the D-240mkII (120wpc/8ohm) and the
D-400mkII (200wpc/8ohm). The amps are fully balanced
low-feedback class A/AB designs biased to run class A for
the first 15/30wpc while doubling power output as impedance
halves. Sound familiar? It should. The current Pass X-series
amps are almost exactly the same design-wise. And they sound
quite similar.

The current ARC 100.2 is similar in design to the D-240mkII
and the D-400mkII.

The ARC D-130/D-200/D-300 amps use much different circuits
than the D-240mkII/D-400mk/100.2 and are not as refined in
my experience.

I am currently running two ARC D-400mkIIs vertically biamped
into a pair of Kinetic Audio Labyrinths (large transmission
lines based on the old IMF designs). I couldn't be happier.
I used to drive them with two ARC D-200s, then two ARC
D-240mkIIs.

My ARC LS-5mkII pre has been a constant, however. Wonderful
synergy with the ARC tube pre and the ARC solid-state amps.

Hey Sean - I got my Labyrinths back in '96. Fell in love
with the sound of transmission-line bass done well and came
across Kinetic. Not a very big company but they sure do make
some great t-lines. Also make their 12" woofers, 6.5" mids,
and 1" dome tweeters in-house. I believe the only driver
they now outsource is their 2" dome mid. And yes the
cabinets are deader-than-doornails. But that definitely
comes at a price as they're 250lbs each!!! I love their
sound, and they seem to thrive with as much power as I can
feed them, which is why I stick to SS amps. Real nice match
with the ARC pres/amps. I'll probably have this combo for a
long time to come.