What to look for. No particular order.
1) Customer service dept readily available.
2) Stable reliable company.
3) Few models used up for sale.
4) Input impedance high enough to allow use of tube pre-amp.
5) Power rating stable into 4 ohms.
6) Protection circuitry that prevents failure due to clipping.
7) Ability to throw up a open sounstage and image precisely.
8) No excess energy in the bass/upper bass/lower midrange.
9) Highs that sound real without ripping your ears off.
10) Tonal accuracy in the midrange that produces palpable voices.
11) Binding posts that allow use of spades/bananas/bare wire/bi-wire.
12) Adjustable input sensitivity.
13) Reliable proven design.
14) Balanced circuitry that is truly differential.
15) Good resale value
16) Available in black or silver. No glitzy appearance.
17) Moderate heat to keep your room cool in summer.
18) High dynamic headroom.
19) Quick warm up time- under 1 1/2 hours to enjoy the sound.
Anything else??
1) Customer service dept readily available.
2) Stable reliable company.
3) Few models used up for sale.
4) Input impedance high enough to allow use of tube pre-amp.
5) Power rating stable into 4 ohms.
6) Protection circuitry that prevents failure due to clipping.
7) Ability to throw up a open sounstage and image precisely.
8) No excess energy in the bass/upper bass/lower midrange.
9) Highs that sound real without ripping your ears off.
10) Tonal accuracy in the midrange that produces palpable voices.
11) Binding posts that allow use of spades/bananas/bare wire/bi-wire.
12) Adjustable input sensitivity.
13) Reliable proven design.
14) Balanced circuitry that is truly differential.
15) Good resale value
16) Available in black or silver. No glitzy appearance.
17) Moderate heat to keep your room cool in summer.
18) High dynamic headroom.
19) Quick warm up time- under 1 1/2 hours to enjoy the sound.
Anything else??