Here's some food for thought. Check out odysseyaudio.com. Odyssey makes the Stratos amp a 150W/ch that sells for $995 direct. I took a chance and gave it a try, and it is the best sounding amp I've ever had in my system (previously Audio Research). I was amazed with how much more information I was hearing. They also make the Tempest pre-amp also $995. I haven't heard it yet, but it is supposed to be very comparable to the Stratos in sound quality. So, here's an amp/pre-amp combo for around $2k that will make your music sing. Plus and added bonus of being new, and they carry a 20yr warranty (no misprint). Give Klaus Bunge a call at (317)299-5578 you won't be sorry.
Looking for advice
Looking for some advice on amps and preamps. Last week I purchased a set of speakers I lusted over for many years, B&W 802 series 3. This was a substantial upgrade over my Bose 902s series 4 from my college days many years ago. So now I have the B&W's running through my Adcom 555II and Adcom 565 in the bypass circuit. From my observations (granted only 1 week) the sound appears raspy and harsh, although perfectly clear. Last year was a good year financially, so I do have some $$ to upgrade. I was thinking about replacing the adcom units with something better. This is where I'm at and would like advice. Did some research on the Krell units and am thinking a used Ksa-200s would be a nice fit. Have really never heard the unit but have read a lot abount it and seems like a real tank that would last me for years. Any thoughts about how it would sound with the B&W's? Would it be a magnitute above the adcoms? Then what preamp would match the set-up? I could afford new, but would like to purchase used in excellent shape. What is the best way of purchasing used? I live in Orlando, Fl and theres nothing down here from what I've investigated so I was thinking about purchasing from someone on this site if it became available. Any insights on the best way of doing it? Perhaps I'm overly cautious, but it scares me to think of sending somebody 3 or 4 K and hoping for the best. All advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.