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Agoners: Need Advice! Have 3K to spend on an Amp, what do I do with no way to audition?

Looking for a solid State Amp, something that will go for 30 years or more (My Last Amp), so I don't need high maintenance, with at least 200 WPC @ 8 ohm load.  SO many to choose from...I've narrowed my choices down to several brands, due to the consistency of great reviews; Krell, Pass Labs, Audio Research, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Classe.  Now looking serious at a couple by Krell or Pass.  I love most types of music, classical, jazz, rock, punk, electronica, metal, but not Rap & Country.  I love great detail in my music, fast and bold but rich and  warm, played soft or loud with a big soundstage, love bass slam and crisp highs, too much midrange hurts my ears. Which amp does it all???  Wife has me limited to this, you know how that is :(...Please help me out here folks...I've been in this dilemma for a few years, it's time to make a decision and buy! 
cohicks4
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Plinius sa100 lll  one available on Agon $2100 extra $900 buy HF reveal Cables.one of the best, I prefer this amp to all the amps above.

Plinius makes some very good amps, no doubt. I was considering a SA-103 before I bought my Pass Labs XA-100.5's.

However, especially on older models, service is a concern. Possible cap replacement, etc.
When I contacted Plinius through their website with a question regarding the SA-103, it took over 6 weeks just to get a reply.
Sorry, but I need better service than that. If it takes over 6 weeks to answer an email, I could just imagine it would take at least 6 months to get any service done.

Many great amps. I'll stick with ones I can get serviced in the USA.
If I lived in New Zealand, I would grab a Plinius in a heartbeat.

HF cables are pretty good too. I'm using a couple pairs of the CT-1E interconnects.
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Don't forget to check out a Musical Fidelity M6si.

Given your 3K budget, I'd venture to say some of your narrowed down choices are out of contention.
ott
18 posts
 
There's a pair of PrimaLuna Prologue Premium monoblocks on Audiogon for just over $3K.  A friend has them, and they're lovely. 
biketech60
35 posts
 
Manufacturer-direct is one option. I have and recommend highly the Gilmore Audio Raptor Class D monoblock pair at $2500 . He's a gem to work with and these have both single-ended and balanced inputs . Power 250 watts/ ch. @ 8 ohms , 500 @4 ohms . They worked well with my Klipsch speakers and now also with my Spatial Audio Hologram M3 Turbo S . Most satisfying sound I've heard .
matthewd
1 posts
 
For the money you have budgeted for an Amp. I'd go Adcom. I've heard quite a few 3K+ rigs and the Adcom Amps are hard to beat. One of my favorites was the GFA-555II...I'm bi-amping with 2 Adcom GFA-5802's and love them. Those Amps would drive a short. There are some great used units on ebay. If I had the money? I'd buy the latest Adcom flagship...The GFA-575se.
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