Pass Labs or Audio Research Solid State Amplifiers


I was considering Pass Labs or Audio Research solid state amps and preamps. Which one of these do you think would sound better? I am open to suggestions, I just dont want a budget amplifier, as that is what I have had so far. FYI, I have never owned a amp that cost more than $1700 or a pre that cost more than $900....

I listen mostly to music like metalica and megadeath.
I listen to my music pretty loud. I would figure I would need an amp as powerful as the one I use now -- even though I NEVER turn it up to its full limits. The amp I use now is a budget amp that is 200w x 2 into 8 ohms, 300w x 2 into 4 ohms. Any and all suggestions of what to do and specific model numbers will be appreciated! Help Please!!!
verybestaudio

Showing 1 response by john_l

For metallica and 'megadeath' I would definitely stay AWAY from pass labs aleph amps. They have very precise bass, but in your price range the aleph 3 and aleph 5 will be too wimpy. I too have heard that the early ARC solid state amps stank. I have not heard one personally to confirm this. Seems odd that they would have let it out the door.

I would buy an old conrad-johnson mv-50, 52 or 55. These are el-34 based and make electric guitars sound GREAT. No other amp brings out the real sound of an overdriven electric guitar so well. You should be able to find one of these for 600-1500 depending on year/model.

If you want bass string for 1200, buy a mccormack dna-1. Those have awesome bass. If you can find a dna-1/reva or revb you might want to pay the extra cash. Also, the adcom 5802 is a great 300w amp. You can pick those up for under 1000. They are very good sounding amps.