Are There Any Good, High Power Solid State Amps?

People seem to either love or hate Class D amps. I went from an ARC tube amp to the Class D and the sound is great. Never a problem with not enough power either (bi-amped).

Louis1,

I have owned many famous SS amps, including BAT VK-600SE and Clayton M-100, and have heard many others, including Clayton M-300 and Pass XA-160's.

That said, while I agree with Tvad that I don't quite understand the need for that much power, I think the Clayton M-300's or the Pass XA-160's will fit in your price range used, and both will EASILY drive your speakers.
The BAT VK-600SE was very nice, but the Clayton and Pass are better, IMHO.

If you crave the tube sound, you will find a pair of VTL MB 450 series 1 or 2 will fit your price range, and also EASILY drive your speakers.

Happy hunting,

John

stay with tubes!

ARC Ref 300 or 220 can be had under $10k used. if you want to start lower, VT-200 can be had under $3k. my personal favorite is BAT VK-150SE. even though they only have 150 wpc, they should drive your VR-4 louder than you care to listen to.

TVAD,
You're right, something doesn't add up here. All I can say is that when I get up to levels around 95db, things get flat, and worse than that, the high frequencies seem to sound edgy....especially piano.

NGjockey,
I also heard the Bryston 28's at 2008's CES, driving some Theils. They were outstanding, and I'd pick up a pair of 'em in a heartbeat at the right price. Retail, they are just out of reach. I've never seen a pair used.