Solid state "backup" amp recommendation

Semi,

I have to second TVAD on the CI Audio and NuForce "new technology" amps. I purchased both as a backup to my Antique Sound Labs 1009 tube monoblocks. I've since sold the ASLs.

The CI Audio amps are based on the Hypex UCD chip which is widely available, and Dusty at Channel Islands has a long track record of providing high quality, reliable products at a fair price.

The NuForces are based on proprietary technology, and may be a little further out on the "risk/reward" curve for you. That said the NuForce folks have a great product on their hands and continue to refine their amps based on real customer feedback; imagine that!

My suggestion is purchase both, try them in your system, and return one or both at the end of 30 days.

Best of luck in your search!

Semi,

As Pdreher says,the VK200 does indeed run hot. You may be able to touch the top of the case, but the heatsinks will definitely give you permanent waffle fingers, heheh.

If the newer Pass Labs amps runs hot as well, I'd consider the CI Audio monoblocks as Tvad suggests.

Let us know what you decide on!

>>I can't imagine why you'd want to have a superior amp for half the year and an inferior amp the other half.<<

Amen. Seems to me that a room A/C and/or whisper fans are less expensive than a sonically inferior back up sand amp. However if you have an extremely difficult load you're stuck with solid state or digital.

Semi
My situation is identical to yours. In my main system I am using Joule Electra Heaven’s Gate mono amps & Joule Preamp which heats the room up to sauna like conditions in the summer even with central air. For summer use I use a BAT VK 200 with a BAT 5i preamp. It does get a bit warm but nowhere near the heat of the Joules. The room stays comfortable. In my second system I use Pass Aleph 2 mono amps, same problem, these might even get hotter than the Joules but it’s a close call. For the summer/fall months I use a VAC PA80/80 tube amp (KT88s) which does no throw off all that much heat. Anyway this set-up works very to solve my summer heat problems.

Gjrad

Ok, you guys are making a difficult decision more difficult. Before posting, I thought listing out the safe bets will help me narrow my choices but instead I now have more options than ever.

Fortunately, I am open minded and NuForce does have a demo unit out here in SF Bay Area. But if a BAT VK-200 showed up on Audiogon at a good price, I will still go for it.

I travel to Japan & Taiwan often, Usher (Taiwan) has a very good amp R-1.5 that mimics the older Threshold for very little money. But I can't figure out how to transport a 90lb amp back here as a luggage w/o paying stiff penalty.