used single ended ss power amp

Gamut made a high-power (200wpc) amp using one high-current transistor per channel. This would qualify as "single-end".

I owned a Threshold s500 I bought in about 1980. When I replaced it twenty years later with a newer Pass amp I was just blown away with how much better it was in every respect. The older design was thin sounding with much less current. I would have a hard time recommending anything twenty years old unless it is for some nostalgic reason. I would stick with technology less than ten years old.

I think differences in overall amp design and construction are far more determinate of the sound than single ended vs balanced internally and which input you use. I have an Audio Research amp, it has both inputs,… there is not a huge difference in sound between the two, differences in interconnects could easily disguise the really small difference. Differences in brand and model make an order of magnitude bigger difference in sound.

I would recommend looking for the best sounding amp. Make sure you audition what you buy. I can’t imagine going back to a solid state amp after owning a great tube amp. But if that is the way you are going look at the Pass XA60… used would be a way to reduce cost. Also Look at the Krell 125XD… or used more powerful models. These amps have good midrange and bass as well as detail.

I thank you for responding, it has been very informative. I thought about ss because my mids are ribbons and can throw a very low load. I may just go back to tubes and call it a day if I can find something that's comfortable with the lower loads. you she a lot of light on the amps formats single ended vs xlr...Thanks

The best used Coda you can find. 

😀👍