Which Solid State Amplifier is Making you Happy?


I'm trying to find a new amplifier to replace a Musical Fidelity A3CR. There are lots of candidates: Rowland 501s, Pass Labs 350.5, Levinson 431/432, H2O, etc. What are people using and what has been a good sonic investment? I'm currently driving B&W N803s, so it's a pretty normal load. My MF amp does not offer enough punch or bass control. It flattens out at higher volumes. I'll spend what it takes, new or used. Less than $8K would be nice. All comments welcome.
Peter
pscialli
The velvety golden glow of my Rowland 7M monoblocks makes me purr with contentment. . . except for that not so fine day when the nail of my left thumb lost an unfair game of 'shock absorber' under one of the cooling fins of the 140 pounds behemoth. That was when I discovered that, for some odd reason Aluminum seems to have been created harder than nail and flesh.
One year later, the nail fully regrown and nicely healed, I went back to purring with blissful contentment.
The Halo JC-1s were before the tax man came along. But they should really come packaged with an air conditioner unit. I'm glad we still have relatively cold temps up here in Toronto. Come summer, these things would have been blazing even in low bias. High bias would probably be good for grilling steak.
McIntosh MC501 Monoblocks driving B&W N802's w/REL Stadium III sub, solid performers top to bottom in a very large room. A relative bargain @ $8200. Stereophile comparisons to Halcro dm58 @31k/pr.
Clayton M100s. See Bound for Sound and IAR.

Much better than the well known brands. Will drive anything.
I am using Steve McCormack's DNA-500 to drive my Legacy Whispers (lots of drivers, 4 ohms) and couldn't be happier. Only amp I've heard that comes close sonically is the BAT VL-600SE. Mac 501's didn't touch it, nor did Parasound, Rowland or Krell. I was a little hesitant after all the rave reviews for the amp, but got one to try and am not letting go. Haven't heard anything that touches it under 15K except the BAT at 11,300. DNA-500 is 7K list, 500w/900w and loads of current. Remarkable sound - you will be surprised if you hear it!