I think you should consider giving a listen to some of the better GaN amps out there from the likes of AGD and Atma-Sphere. By all accounts they are outstanding amps that do an excellent job of combining many of the virtues of tubes and solid state and are much more efficient than either, and I’ve read the term “end-game amp” used in reference to them more than once. Just another option to explore FWIW, and best of luck in your search.
NEED TO REPLACE OLD FAITHFUL- WHICH AMP. SHOUD I CHOOSE
27 Years ago I purchased a brand new Audio Research D400 Mk.2 Amplifier. 200 Watts per channel solid state. Last weekend the capacitors blew out. I talked to Greg at Audio Research and he told me they do not work on this model because of it's age and that parts are no longer available. I need to buy a new amp. I have an Audio Research Ref. 5 SE pre amp and use Dali Helicon 800 mk. 2 speakers that are 89.5 efficiency.
The list of amplifiers that I am considering are as follows.
Coda 16, McIntosh MC462, Aesthetix Atlas Stereo,
On the tube side I am considering,
Zesto Audio Bia120, VTL S120, Ayon Triton Evo Mono's and maybe Audio Research Reference 160S but that really stretches the budget.
Does anyone have any of these amps? I would really appreciate your suggestions. So far I kind of like the Coda 16