These are the best Solid State Amps


Hi, these are the best Solid State Amps i'v heard. BAT VK 500, Mcintosh MC 352, Alchemist Statement, Meridian 557 Amps bridged, Levinson 335, Classe S1000, Roland 7s, GOLDMUND Mimesis 9
doug99
Hey Snooker14:

What do you feel you're missing with the Classe 401?
That's a great amp! 334-336 are good as well but you may find a tad too polite for your liking. Classe 01 series were (are) great all around performers.

Paul
I see you mentioned the BAT VK-500. Have you heard the VK-200 and how do you think it compares? Would it be on the list? Anyone else have any comments?
To be honest (gulp)... I don't have any idea what I may be missing. I got bit by this audiophile bug a while back and ever since then the grass has always seemed greener on the other side. Six months ago I got a good trade-up deal from a 200 to the 401 and within a week I was wondering if a Levinson would be better. Do you guys want me to go away and seek professional help now? Once I start upgrading, I can't seem to stop!
Hello Snooker. I've played with just a huge variety of amps in my time, on a huge variety of speaker as well! (I've worked in 4 high end audio stores...and one Good Guys)
My experience with the newer Classe amps is that, overall, they are great amps for the money no doubt. However, looking at some of the other amps that have been mentioned here, what I think you'll find is that, in comparison to some of the better choices, you'll find your Classe to sound a bit euphonic sounding w/less immage specificity and tightness, not as detailed and extended in the high's, and with less bass control, soundstage trasparency and detail.
I think, for the most part (but system matching and room environment have a huge part to play here) mating the amp to your sytem will only be decided properly by you "tooning your Farrari" so too speak, and trying some of these better amps for yourself! Best of luck...I think you'll have to try and play a bit.