[Rocket]

Hi,

You need to audition a number of amplifiers and determine what you prefer yourself.  I've spent a lot of money in the last few years and had a few different amplifiers in my system.

The CI amps are smooth and mellow and do not have the icy steelness of, say, NuForce.

I've listened to the nuforce ref 9 v2 amps and they sound pretty good and certainly don't sound an 'icy steelness' sound.  I personally don't have nuforce gear and I'm not defending them to you for this reason.

I bought an odyssey khartago and I was really disappointed with its sound as it wasn't transparent enough for my system.  I've read rave reviews on this board about them, however, I personally didn't like its sound.

Currently I alternate between using a Spread Spectrum Technologies 'son of ampzilla' and a highly modified ps audio hca - 2.  Both sound pretty good. 

My opinion is decide on a list and audition these amps in your own system.  You live in the States and should have no problem doing so.

Good luck.

Rod

[KCI-JohnP]

I've always found the older Classe mono blocks nice, the little CAM-200's are sweet and usually sell for around $2K or so on audiogon. Just a thought to throw in the mix.

Regards,
John

[Lkdog]

Do not know your budget.
I have a pair of Odyssey Mono Extremes and like them so much I just sent them in for the upgrade to the latest SE version.
Absolutely wonderful amps.

FWIW- I have listened extensively to Parasound JC-1's and would choose the Mono Extremes for my tastes-smoother top end.
Both put the grip of death and control on the woofers.

[JLM]

Tony, check for a private message.

[jermmd]

FWIW- I have listened extensively to Parasound JC-1's and would choose the Mono Extremes for my tastes-smoother top end.
Both put the grip of death and control on the woofers.

That's interesting. I like Parasound equipment and I've always wanted to try the JC-1's. I remember someone was modding them and said they were the best amps he had ever heard (the modded version). I have a McCormack DNA-500 now and, even though I plan on replacing it, it's the best SS amp I've heard. It's way out of the OP's price range though. Maybe some of the cheaper McCormack stuff might be worth consideration.

[bummrush]

Check out Murano,ice amps i think at 100 watts apiece,mono;s at 299,great price if you want to try digital amps

[TomS]

FWIW- I have listened extensively to Parasound JC-1's and would choose the Mono Extremes for my tastes-smoother top end.
Both put the grip of death and control on the woofers.

That's interesting. I like Parasound equipment and I've always wanted to try the JC-1's. I remember someone was modding them and said they were the best amps he had ever heard (the modded version). I have a McCormack DNA-500 now and, even though I plan on replacing it, it's the best SS amp I've heard. It's way out of the OP's price range though. Maybe some of the cheaper McCormack stuff might be worth consideration.

That might have been Steve Nugent at Empirical Audio

[Marbles]

I have a McCormack DNA-500 now and, even though I plan on replacing it, it's the best SS amp I've heard.

Joe, why are you planning on replacing it?

[rockadanny]

Larkston - was the Van Alstine an SS amp or the Ultra hybrid (350/550)?

[jermmd]

I have a McCormack DNA-500 now and, even though I plan on replacing it, it's the best SS amp I've heard.

Joe, why are you planning on replacing it?

Mainly for the money. I'm using a Cal audio CL2500 now and it sounds great. I'm constantly vacillating between an integrated 2-channel/home theater and seperate systems. Right now I'm in integrated theater/music mode. As long as I don't do a head to head McCormack-Cal Audio comparison, I'm very happy with the sound from my present set up and can listen for hours. Plus, I like to try out different equipment and selling the McCormack helps to support my hobby.