Manufacturer-direct is one option. I have and recommend highly the Gilmore Audio Raptor Class D monoblock pair at $2500 . He's a gem to work with and these have both single-ended and balanced inputs . Power 250 watts/ ch. @ 8 ohms , 500 @4 ohms . They worked well with my Klipsch speakers and now also with my Spatial Audio Hologram M3 Turbo S . Most satisfying sound I've heard .
Agoners: Need Advice! Have 3K to spend on an Amp, what do I do with no way to audition?
Looking for a solid State Amp, something that will go for 30 years or more (My Last Amp), so I don't need high maintenance, with at least 200 WPC @ 8 ohm load. SO many to choose from...I've narrowed my choices down to several brands, due to the consistency of great reviews; Krell, Pass Labs, Audio Research, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Classe. Now looking serious at a couple by Krell or Pass. I love most types of music, classical, jazz, rock, punk, electronica, metal, but not Rap & Country. I love great detail in my music, fast and bold but rich and warm, played soft or loud with a big soundstage, love bass slam and crisp highs, too much midrange hurts my ears. Which amp does it all??? Wife has me limited to this, you know how that is :(...Please help me out here folks...I've been in this dilemma for a few years, it's time to make a decision and buy!