Looking for a new powerful amp.

Jon p, when I went through my auditioning process it included three highly regarded tube amps, along with the solid state contenders that I listed in my first response. If, you like what I call the "musicality/liquidity" of tubes, but want the extension,details, and slam of SS, please audition a Pass LabsX-350.5 in your system. I posted a review on the 350.5 here on the GON that will give you more details and hopefully will be helpful to you. I never say any piece is the "BEST" in the world, there's many great sounding gear, however I think Mr. Nelson Pass really came up with a winner in his new .5 series amps. They give you the warmth/ease of the highly acclaimed Aleph series, with great dynamics/details of the first generation X amps.

I agree with Brianwater the CJ premier 350 is an excellent choice. It is a very detailed and musical amplifier with large amounts of finese and power. There may be more powerful amps available but very few offer the resolution and detail this amp does.

Chuck

I've always really liked the McCormack amps with Vandersteen. The McCormacks work well with tube pre-amps too.

I also have an ARC REF3 which I use with a powerful SS amp. In my case I use a Boulder 2060. It is a combo that I like very much.

David Shapiro

I have Henry Ho's H2O Signature Monos mated with his new "Fire" preamp. They are powering the world's toughest speaker load like it is a play thing, other monster amps wimped out on. Their sound is what I like to characterize as, "Finest tubes on steroids."