Best used amp in the $1500 range

Perkadin, I was able to borrow a Pass Aleph 3 class A amp for a month a few years ago and can attest to its ability to render delicate inner detail. I have never heard acoustic guitars sound so beautiful and real on my system even when I owned a high powered SET.

What's the story on these new digital amp's (Nuforce) I've been reading about. From just reading they sound almost too good to be true. Any of you guys hear thes amps? If so, how do they compare? Do the have the weight of the Class A amp's that you've mentioned?

I thought the Channel Islands amps sounded excellent. I heard them at Dusty Vawters and again at RAMF. Very impressive amps, the 200 being a bit better than the 100. Also, I hear Ric at EVS has a killer amp at a very reasonable cost. I believe both these products have a 30 day trial. It might be worth a listen in your system.

It may be of interest to you to audition the Bel Canto ICE power amps. Through Underwood you can get the S300 for about $1200, or two M300 monoblocks for about $1600. I was using Outlaw M200 monoblocks and can't believe the difference. There is so much more detail, bass extension and clarity compared to the Outlaws. They run cool, have plenty of power, detailed without being fatiguing. I love these amps. They were a little bright on the very high end at first, but I don't hear that now. Good luck!

Unfortunately, there really is no answer without knowing your preference for each.

But, best of luck to you!

Regards,
Mark