[hometheaterdoc]

If you are looking for transparent ala Pass without being harsh up top, I would recommend a Bel Canto Evo4 run bridged in fully differential mode.  It's very good.

A bargain great souding amp is the Marsh A400s.  The A200s is ear bleedingly bright, but the 400 is quite good....

Of course the ultimate bargain would be a Carver ZR1600.  Again, very transparent sound.

If you are looking for tubey sound, none of the amps above would apply.

I sell Carver and Bel Canto.  So take my comments with the appropriate pounds of salt....

[zybar]

Shane,

Thanks for the post and properly disclosing that you are a dealer.  

I haven't personally heard any of the amps you mentioned, but will keep my ears and eyes open for a chance to hear them.

GW

[Hantra]

the ultimate bargain would be a Carver ZR1600. Again, very transparent sound.

The Carver is a great bargain.  Just seriously outclassed by the Pass though.  I had one that 8th Nerve modded, and it was a great amp.  Even better in mono.  But it's no Pass. . .

[zybar]

Thanks B.

The audio snob in my expected that, but didn't want to say it.

There are lots of bargains out there, but very rarely does a $1K piece out perform a $6K piece.  

GW

[hometheaterdoc]

I never meant to imply that the Carver would best the Pass.  My sincerest apologies for misinterpreting the intent of the thread.   I was trying to give you some suggestions at the low end of your budget ($4K)  that might be satisfactory to you AND save you a few dollars if possible. I should have paid attention and actually read the thread more closely.  Sorry about that.  

Seeing as you mentionned the ICEPower digitals, I thought the Carver might be a choice to look into.  As to the $1000 price tag, ummm.... I don't know how to say this without making it an advertisement, but let's just say that the price is a bit lower than $1000

However, I certainly prefer the Pass to the Carver as well.

Of the amps on your list at the first post in this thread:

Bryston 7B-ST - I love their warranty and customer service.  I'm biased toward them as well being as I like to support Canadian companies.  But I would never own their amps unless it was for sub duty (and even then I would pick others over it).  Those bipolars are just too gritty, grainy, and harsh souding for ME.  I've heard the entire line extensively in my own systems.  I'd take the Carver over the Bryston any day.  Again, this is only my opinion.

Parasound - I have not heard the particular model you mention.  But that was because I gave up on Parasound a while ago.  Every single model I heard was ear piercingly bright.  I couldn't stay in the same room even while wearing ear plugs.  And I am not exaggerating here.  They may have changed since I last heard them, though.

I've liked every piece of Rowland stuff I've heard over the years, but I always found it expensive in my opinion for what you got.

I've only heard the Pass once.  It was very, very, very good.  But I plead ignorance here.  Isn't the Pass more than your budget?  Is the one you're demoing a used model?

I have no qualms about putting the Bel Canto up against some mega buck stuff.  It's not going to be everyone's cup of tea.  But I really, really like it.  Thus the reason I signed up to be a dealer of their products.  I use my demo gear for my own personal enjoyment as much as for customer evaluations.  So I want to sell stuff that I really enjoy listening to hehehe

[zybar]

Shane,

Thanks for the follow-up and clarification.

What is the rest of your system?

GW

[lonewolfny42]

Thought my computer was freaking out here ....I see... part of thread moved because of selling reference....correct ?

[Hantra]

I'd take the Carver over the Bryston any day.

Me too.  Especially modded.  In most systems I have heard the Bryston seemed quite grainy, and often times just harsh.  

I never meant to imply that the Carver would best the Pass. My sincerest apologies for misinterpreting the intent of the thread.

No need for apologies man.  No one thought you implied that at all.  I was just putting it into context for GW in case he thought that the Carver might be as good as the Pass he is currently listening to. . .

[Mad DOg]

Thought my computer was freaking out here ....I see... part of thread moved because of selling reference....correct ?

yes...from the rules of the forum...

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/faq.php#30

"I sell audio equipment, can I have a circle?
We do not have circles for dealers of audio equipment. You are welcome to register and participate in the discussions as appropriate. You must, however, use your signature or avatar to clearly identify yourself as a dealer. Commercial posts, announcements and advertisements can be made only in Market Square, or, if the relevant manufacturer is OK with it, in the Circle of the appropriate manufacturer. Outside of these areas, you are not allowed to promote or recommend products that you sell unless specifically asked for information. If the Facilitator of a circle feels that a post you have made contradicts these guidelines or is not in good taste, they are entitled to move your post to another area of the site without notice, explanation, or apology."

[Allezvite]

From Hometheaterdoc:

Bryston 7B-ST - I love their warranty and customer service. I'm biased toward them as well being as I like to support Canadian companies. But I would never own their amps unless it was for sub duty (and even then I would pick others over it). Those bipolars are just too gritty, grainy, and harsh souding for ME. I've heard the entire line extensively in my own systems. I'd take the Carver over the Bryston any day. Again, this is only my opinion.

If you're referring to the ST series, I can see your point, they could tend toward brightness in some systems.  However, you would be the very first one to say that the new SST series is gritty or harsh though.  The latest series of SST amps from Bryston have a crystalline, pure and extended top end that just may be too revealing for some systems, but they are certainly NOT harsh.  They tell the truth and some people don't want the truth, they're looking for "character".  

I replaced two Linn LK140's in my 2-channel audio system with a new 3BSST and was astounded at the difference.  The Linn's are known for being tonally neutral and a terrific audio value, but the Bryston just walloped them with its air, detail, midrange warmth, tonal accuracy and grip on the lower registers.  It was an eye-opener (or ear-opener I should say).

The large number of professional studios where Bryston is installed are using them for more than subwoofers, I can assure you.

The Carvers I have heard all sounded coloured, sort of honey-dipped and laid-back.  They don't sell all that well here in Canada.  Although, if you're looking for a particular sonic signature, they might be what someone is looking for.

[Hantra]

However, you would be the very first one to say that the new SST series is gritty or harsh though.

Actually, I have heard this too.  I had a friend borrow a 4BSST for his system last week, and he said the same thing.  He said it was just way too harsh in his system.  He has B&W Nautilus 803's, which can be bright with the wrong amplifier.