If you're looking for a cool running ARC amp, The only ones available are the 100.2, 150.2, and 200.2. These are all class T designs which means they utilize digital switching. I have a ARC D-240 MKII amp and a LS-9 preamp. Both are solid state. The preamp runs cool and sounds great. The amp runs very hot as do most ARC amps. The SS ARC class T amps that run cool can be very expensive on the used market because they are relatively new. If you can deal with one that is older and runs hotter, you can save significantly.
Cost Effective Audio Research Combo
Hi folks. I'm really looking for some guidance putting together an Audio Research amp/pre combo. I'm a former Naim user that wants to move to more power and different gear. (The good Naim stuff has just gotten way too expensive). I'm considering a Bryston 3BSST/BP20 combo or something used from Audio Research. However, while I can talk to you up and down about HiCaps, SNAICS, etc, I know little about the AR brand and some of the better products of the recent past. (Other than the fact that the SP9 was panned by Stereophile some years back). Here is what I am after:
About 100-150 Watts of Solid State power amp.
A nice tube or hybrid preamp that runs cool and has a GREAT phono stage.
I don't want any gear that's more that 5 years old.
I'd like to spend around 2000-2500 on the used market for the pair.
Comments about how what you are suggesting stacks up against the Bryston combo mentioned above
Thanks so much!
About 100-150 Watts of Solid State power amp.
A nice tube or hybrid preamp that runs cool and has a GREAT phono stage.
I don't want any gear that's more that 5 years old.
I'd like to spend around 2000-2500 on the used market for the pair.
Comments about how what you are suggesting stacks up against the Bryston combo mentioned above
Thanks so much!