used power amp under 1500


I started with a great system and I managed to downgrade it to an OK sound through a lot of trades, sales, questionable decisions and shrinking budget. (No regrets, it's been a fun journey.) I ended up with very low sensitivity, hard to drive speakers and now I need more power. Will 100 Watts be enough and is it OK and safe to buy used? Any brands that are a good value at $1500?

parkergetdean

There's a 12/11/25 posting on US Audio Mart for a Bryston 4B at $1100. I would at least check that out.

This thread called to me with the title discussing the topic of "power amps for $1500, Alex." Then it inspired me to list an amp that has been in rotation, but deserves a home with something like Dynaudios, or maybe some smaller Maggies and a tube preamp. At least, that’s what I’d put together looking down the road.

So I’ve lowered the price on the Belles 150A Ref V2 listing if there’s interest in trying it out. If anyone is interested in discussing other minor treasures, like a Conrad Johnson MF2275 or a pair of Herron M1 monos, I like this particular patch of amplification possibilities, and have been enjoying the results.

@jimmyblues1959 I second the AVA NP1 amplifier.  I bought one on a whim for my #3 two channel system.  I was shocked at its clarity, slam, and dimensionality.  For just over a grand this is one helluva impressive amplifier.

@jaymark   I'm glad that you're enjoying your AVA NP1!  Just listening to mine as I type this. The transparency of this wonderful little amplifier is truly amazing!

Frank Van Alstine RIP 🙏🙏🙏🙏  truly was a visionary when it came to his circuit designs, and the NP1 with its nested architecture is his crowning achievement!