Anyone got any experience with Sony amps?

I'm starting to think about upgrading my Arcam Alpha 5 next year. I'll be buying second hand
and have a notion for a Sony QS range amp (don't think I could stretch to an ES).
A mate has told me I probably won't like the sound after the Arcam. He thinks it's too clinical and bright. Any comments or anything else anyone else wants to recommend?

I was also considering a Marantz PM6010OSE.

You need to consult dvv on matters concerning Marantz Stiffy....

Honestly I wouldn't touch any budget Japanese amp, they all have disappointed, I wouldn't touch Sony with a barge pole, Marantz budget amps are gutless, I can't think of many good budget amps, I heard a few years ago a budget £200 Nakamaichi line only little amp that blew away the likes of Sony, Marantz and the Kenwood at the time. I would look at two options, a second hand older £600 amp which should be fairly easy to do, or if you room is small and speakers easy to drive one of the class T amps.

Another great amp is the Harma Kardon HK1200 or HK1400 if you can find one, they sounded very good for aabout £200 10 years ago or more.

What about a nad amp or Rotel, does it have to be just those two? Maybe you might just be going sideways instead of upgrading.

Try an audiolab 8000

Will look at the ones you guys have mentioned too. There's no point in going sideways but it's difficult to demo first when your in the used market.
Thanks for the advice.

how much do u wanna spend stiffler?

I see uve just bought the Sony CDP-XB930 QS off robby, not a bad player that and a pretty good transport as far as I remember!

Aye...I hope it's a good un.

Stiffy, some more info would enable better qualified advice.

Are you buying now to love and to cherish for many years, or is this a stepping stone buy, on your way to the big guns?

Do you have somebody you could trust to refresh a device for you, as I gather your are not in the field?

What kind of sound are you looking for, what's your cup of tea?

What's your budget, to its fullest?

I realize the last question is rather personal, but what's the use of giving advice only to discover that it outstrips your budget? I may not live in the UK, but I can also look over the UK e-bay.

Where u been FREAK about time u lended this man a hand!

No problemo Dan, but I do need answers to the questions in my previous post.

Are Sony classed as a HiFi manufacturer?