Solid state amp to replace my Audio Research Ref 150 amp


I have owned an Audio Research Ref. 150 for 4 years, but with tube changes and the heat, I'd like to find a solid state amp that would mate well with my Baby Nola speakers, as well as be 100% reliable and have the great sound my AR amp has given me. The AR amp was originally recommended by the Nola designer, Carl Marschiotta. 

My listening tastes primarily range in jazz, classical, roots music, and Americana such as Jason Isbell. I do like to rock the house occasionally, but I greatly value the finesse I get from the AR 150, as well as the solid bass and dimensionally my amp provides in my system.

I don't want to replace my Audio Research preamp and phono preamp, so I am wishing for a solid state power amp that will fulfill my amplifier hopes, work with my other AR pieces an continue to provide me the pleasure my Audio Research amp has given me.

 I would like to pay less than $8k on AudiogoN.

Comments and suggestions are appreciated.

128x128shaq
Try a Pass X250.8. It doesn't run too warm; my ModWright preamp puts off more heat than my Pass.

Ooops, your right Al, overlooked the heat concern.

But what a great pair of amps for the money, and those line source of ribbons and mid units of his speakers would never sound as good with Pass class A driving them.


Cheers George 

By switching to Pass or Plinius you will less-likely get rid of heat. They both like to run hot or even hotter than tube amps.
Bel Canto ref1000 monos may come into play for the fraction of your budget.