Solid state "backup" amp recommendation

"However if you have an extremely difficult load you're stuck with solid state or digital."

The CAT JL amps are neither solid state nor digital and they drive difficult loads incredibly well. Unfortunately they can increase the room temp by 5-8 degrees in the course of a few hours.

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

I Can! There are many times I want to have the music playing for several hours but not be solely dedicated to just the music. This keeps the replacement of output power tubes less frequent AND keeps the room a lot cooler as well for such times. No need to double my electric bill to drive powerful amps and the A/C for casual listening.

I have found the Counterpoint SA or NPS hybrid amps to be a perfect fit as a backup amp to the CAT amps. I tried the H20 stereo amp and the Counterpoint was far more dimensional and musical.

Despite Counterpoint amps being hybrid or fully solid state they tend to run as hot as tube ones.

I have to disagree with Marakanetz. I have owned ARC CL150 and Wolcott monos as well as ARC CL60 and VT130 stereo amps, and the Counterpoint affects the room temperature very minimally compared to these.

Jafox gets what I am talking about - reducing heat and tube wear during the day for background msuic. When late at night, I will switch back to tube amp, if I am in the mood, and listen critically.

Many have experiences on hot running solid state amps like BAT and Pass, but I can honestly say even hot solid state gears like Pass X350 does not heat up room as much as my BAT VK-75SE since I had one before. Less heat is even better if digital amp can deliver the goods, will report back once I hear CI and NuForce in person.

Semi:

You can get the Forte 4 serviced if need be so why not get another one for biamping? It's one of my favorite used SS amps but it does not solve the heat problem.

Regarding the new crop of "digital" amps and I'm not sure what your speakers are, but I can recommend the PS Audio HCA-2 as well. Great bang for the buck. Also, at the top of your price range, I highly recommend the ICE H2O S250 Signature for ~$2800 new. A VERY good amp period. The Tact 2150 amps are hoots too and a very different animal, very clever too.

However, I've found that all the new digital amps (especially the Tact)sound much better when working from really good conditioned power like a PS Audio P-600 regenerator.

Jeff