Pass, Bryston, Audio Research, or McIntosh?


I have been auditioning speakers and think I am settled on buying Magnepans--either the 3.6 or 20.1. Wife and budget will help me decide. I currently have an Audio Research 100.2 which I like, but I expect I will need to get a beefier amp than only 100 into 8 and 200 into 4 ohms. I like buying used and have heard good things about the Pass 250 or 350 x.5. I have also read that Magnepans are often demoed with Brystons which speaks well of the combination--am looking at the sst models. I like audio research and am a bit intrigued by the hybrid HD220 as this will get me 400 wpc into 4 ohms and may provide some tube sound (a good thing for Maggies by most accounts). Lastly, I have no experience with McIntosh, but many seem to like them. Am going to stick with solid state for now. My current pre/pro is an older unit--an EAD Classic Signature which I have had modded by Noble Electronics. It is a sweet sounding dac tho it does not decode SACD or DVD audio. I may eventually go to an Audio Research tube preamp, but my budget will only allow so much for the time being. Any thoughts as to which direction I should go for amps? Room is about 17 x 23 with 10 foot ceilings and an opening along one side wall into another similar sized room.

Thanks.
luvwine
Audio Research mates very well with maggies. They used to be recommended by ARC for their equipment.
I would make sure to compare any of your chosen amps with your AR 100.2. You may just decide that there isn't a significant-enough improvement (especially with 3.6's) to justify the upgrade costs.
Seems like there is little consensus. Yes, Tpsully, if I decide to go with the 3.6, I will probably not have a huge need to upgrade amps immediately. The 20.1 is a different matter....Naturally, I would rather have the 20.1. I am guessing that I will end up with the 20.1, but may have to wait a bit longer to get comfortable with the $$

Appreciate the comments. Keep em coming!

Best,
There's a 500 wpc mac for sale on Pittsburgh's craigslist. It is for real. The sellor is honest. He is selling that, a c33 pre and mac speakers for $4400. The amp alone is worth $2500 minimum. Check it out. I'll help locally if you need.