Solid state amp ultimate stop...


Hi,
I am wondering, when upgrading your power amplifier (solid state/hybrid/digital but not tube), which brand of amplifier do you think could be your last stop for your solid state amplifier investment? Put it in another way, which brand(s) of solid state power amp would be your ultimate dream machine that you believe you will be very happy to live with for a long time? In your answer, please consider a realistic top budget that you are willing to spend for that ultimate power amp. As for me, I will be very happy when I finally upgraded to a Pass or BAT product.

This question is just for the sake of discussion, please .. don't flame me. :)

Thanks,
KG
lkean
I have the Krell FPB 200 and I am very happy with it. BUT... if I had the chance, and/or the money I would gladly move up to the bigger FPB 600, or maybe mono blocs! Why can't I dream with someone else's money???
Hi
I have Bryston 4B ST amplifiers. I believe that the Bryston is the best bang for the buck, and offers a full 20 year transferable warranty. 250 watts per side and have sold used on audiogon for as little as $900.00. For me the 4b st is the final stop.

Steve
I ain't never saying I'm done. I get bachi every time I say that. That, and I'm still learning and gaining experience.
Haven't heard Pass... best I've heard is Simaudio, their Dynaudio setup with the Moon Rock monoblocs, or more realistically, the Moon W-5 stereo power amp.
Viggen, I didn't include tube amp because I believe majority pursue solid state amp for its sheer power, which is tube amp's achilles heel (IMO). Plus, tube amp is another game all together which certainly can be another thread on its own.

Mrcaspence1, like the way you described your Apogee speaker. :)
Once I obtain my Acoustic Reality Ear Two MKII I will be done. It is the only amp that has beautifully synergized with my bitch to drive 1 ohm Scintillas.
I'd stay for Pass X250 or Plinius SA250. Both of these products are realy ultimate on all audio qualities you can only think of, but certainly costly. If money's no option, I'd certainly choose preamps from above brands.
so far Pass Alephs do it for me...would like more horsepower occasionally otherwise not looking. ML 33(H)'s are possibly quieter, but musically the Aleph's are the finest.
I've got both Levinson 436's and Krell FPB 350 MCX's.

Both are at the top limit of what I want to spend on
amps at this juncture, but that could change.

I've had both in my system for a time powering my
front L & R.

They are slightly different sounding, but I think I could be happy with either of these amps for the long haul.
I might put them in different kinds of systems. Having
both, I am covered. I would use the Krells in a system
that felt sluggish, with speakers that were hard to drive,
or was lacking in either low or high end extension. I
would use the Levinson's in a system that was leaning a bit too much towards the dry and analytical. They add
a touch of warmth and liquidity while maintaining a grip
on detail and micro dynamics.
I think I am very fortunate in that I spent very little in audiophile terms to already have purchased the amp I think I will use for quite some time. It's the Gaincard. Why are you not including tube amps? Personally, I'd rather stick with solid state for ergonomic reasons.