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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! 
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Showing 1 response by mattmiller

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mattmiller
1,479 posts
 
If you actually want the amp to be your last one AND work for 30 years with no issues, then you should go with a McIntosh. (this is what Mac does best....Amps!). Just make sure its a newer double balanced design. (lol newer..they have been making these for 15 yrs or more). Today McIntosh makes very expensive quad balanced designs that are high power (500w 1000w 1200w 2000w), so the 200 to 300 watt ones are going to be pre owned like the MC352 350wx2 or MC402 400wx2. Older designs like the MC2255 250wx2 and non Autoformer (direct coupled) designs like the MC7200 200wx2 stay away from. Find one of the amps I mentioned and the sound will be exactly as you described in your post...Big,wide,detailed,warm,no harshness whatsoever, with great low end control, tightness and excellent tonal balance. The journey is half the fun! :-)


Matt M
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