krell ksa100 vs. audio research 150.2

Well, there's hundreds to choose from. Would need to know what preamp you intend to use, what kind of upgrade path you are looking for, your budget, and your system goals (ie: is there something in particular that you want to improve upon?).

IMO the sound quality of satelite radio is marginal at best. Therefore, the best amp in the world won't fix it. When you heard the AR at your local shop, was the source satelite radio?

Either of the two amps you mentioned above will make your Vandys sing if the source is good. Easiliy achieved with a good CD player or turntable & cartridge.

the pre amp is a nad 1600. im not sure what you mean by upgrade path? my budget is 800-1500$. i would like to have a much better stage and instrument clarety, i would like a little more base w/o a powered sub if i can help it. i also have a oppo cd player i use.
the sourse was a cd player from a burned cd off of the ethernet. and he was using definitive tech speakers the ones for 1k each.
i tried using the marantz with the oppo it was a little better and a little louder, but nothing that would make me sit down and liten to my collection again. that is what i am looking for and a amp that i can say o.k. i dont have to worry about that piece being the weak link, when upgrading.
thanks for your opinions bryon

am i going to get the same sound( articulation and power) from a kav300r as a ksa100 or a kst 100. why is the ksa and kst so much heavier and i assume hotter?
to anyone and thanks to everynone

If you can get the ksa-100 for $1000 it's much better for your Vandersteens. I had a kst-100 and now I have an Audio Research 100.2 on Vandersteen 2Ce and it's no comparison. The Audio Research is much better. To appreciate any improvement in amps you have to forget sattelite radio except for casual listening.

thanks digepix, so the ar is better than both the ksa and the kst?
thanks bryon