Howdy,

Well, after a 10 year absence from this hobby, I was thrust back in
yesterday when my beloved Sumo Andromeda III blew the left channel
rail fuses, and subsequent replacments blew as well. I've been told
that fixing it will be tough, particuarly finding replacment parts.
As such, I think it's time to begin looking for a new amplifier.

Being away for a while, I'm not up on new technologies, but I see that
the Krell's of the world are still peddling $10K amplifiers. Way out
of my price range unfortunately. I'm hoping that those of you who
have remained engaged in the hobby might help me narrow my research.
With that said, I'll let the questions fly!!! 8)

1. What's this new technology called ICEpower that is evidently being
embraced by Rowland, eAR, B&O and others? I remember connecting a
500/wpc Carver amp to some Martin Logan's, and the load choked the
amp. Is this new digital technology capable of driving complex loads?
How can such a small, mid-priced amplifier deliver 1000/wpc with
little heat? Is this for real?

2. What's the deal with "commercial" amplifiers, like those from
Crown? I owned some Crown equipment many moons ago, and at the time,
it was considered "high-end." How does something like this differ
from a Krell or Levinson? There's only a handful of ways to skin a
can so-to-speak, so from a technological perspective, are the designs
similar? What do you get from a Krell besides the exotic exterior?

3. Sumo offered the magic blend of "high-end" for the average Joe;
power, sonic performance and value. Is anyone doing this today, or
has the high-end gone completely high-end?

4. Recommendations for an amplifier in the 200/wpc+ range would be
appreciated.

This will be powering Von Schweikert VR-4's (the original) in a very
large room. I need something to control the low-end of the VR-4's to
make sure everything is tight, and I do want something neutral that
has sufficient current to deliver good power.

Thanks in advance!!!