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  The best amp for $2k tube, solid state or hybrid
I want to purchase another amp. I've had GAS Ampzilla's, Melos MAT-180, Karan Acoustic KA-i180, a kit tube amp using dynaco st-70 transformers and UCD class D monos.

I am thinking Butler TBD 2250, Mark Levinson 27.5, Quicksilver V4, Rouge Audio M150, Llano Designs Trinity, Pass Labs X250.

I listen to 70's head/rock (ELP, Genesis, Pink Floyd) and some Jazz. I have a Audio Mirror tubed preamp (model PP1) an NAD T-585 cd/sacd player, Maplenoll Cleo II turntable, ProAc One SC clones and Gemme Audio Tantos.

I want used and to stay under $2500.00 total. I want more of the HIFI sound then the audiophile sound. Sterile is not good for me. Bass must be excellant (Pass X250) and mids should be smooth, but maybe a bit forward. Detail is preferred too, but sound stage and instrument placement is a must. I want to feel the snare drum and hear the fade of the cymbal as well as make out the lowest notes of a pipe organ.

Maybe I am asking too much for my price? Please help with any amp recommendation you've experienced. I am leaning toward the Butler and Pass amps.
Stereo  (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

12-02-08
  Responses (1-36 of 36)
Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

12-02-08   The theta dreadnaught would be a good choice. it is still on ...   Joey54

12-02-08   Have you considered the cary 120s tube amp?   Likecap

12-03-08   I have owned the 27.5 and had the pass 250 in my system. it ...   Samzx12

12-03-08   The butler 2250 sounds like a good match for you. there is ...   Rlwainwright

12-03-08   Thanks for the replies. i did some research on the theta a ...   Stereo

12-03-08   If you can land a mccormack dna-1 or monster amp dna-2 with ...   Kfaudiophile

12-03-08   For $2k, i'd think odyssey extreme monos, used... or perhaps ...   Blindjim

12-03-08   Imo ,of the gear on your short list..butler tbd 2250, mark l ...   Missioncoonery

12-03-08   Best sound and value is anything by cayin. sweet it is!   Buconero117

12-03-08   Maybe the b&k m200 sonata monoblocks or the classe s700 migh ...   Rleff

12-03-08   I looked at the mccormack a few years ago. i don't remember ...   Stereo

12-03-08   Used belles 350a reference or even better, a pair of belles ...   Tvad

12-03-08   I like my sonic frontiers power 2 amp i recently picked used ...   Pdspecl

12-03-08: Stereo
How would Belles compare to Butler? Both have the same power.

Sonic Frontiers made some nice stuff. Are they still in business? If not who supports them?

I must be honest. I am leaning toward hybrid or solid state.

I am selling my 350M's for the purchase of a new amp. I want to try something different. I have the bug. I have two people interested and I'll see how it pans out. I figure I'd do my homework in the mean time.

Stereo  (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)


12-03-08   buy one of each (used) and you decide how they compare. keep ...   Tvad

12-03-08   Primaluna dialogue 5.   Audiogabby

12-03-08   I just got the butler 5150 for my ht rig to replace my anthe ...   Ckorody

12-03-08   Search for recent post from atmasphere to see why impact of ...   Swampwalker

12-04-08   I can't speak for the dna-1 or 2 with rev a, but i have a dn ...   Dawgcatching

12-04-08   Although not a tube amplifier - it is an integrated unit...i ...   Ddt_jmt

12-04-08   I have owned the bultler and the belles. the belles referenc ...   Grannyring

12-05-08   The bat vk500 w/bat pack will let you listen to more of your ...   Blindjim

12-06-08   Thanks for the responses. i am going to use my nad cd player ...   Stereo

12-06-08   You should do a google search for the belles 350a reference ...   Tvad

12-06-08   A bat pack option is simple... it provides a greater power r ...   Blindjim

12-07-08   Valve audio predator. music direct has a b-stock unit (it's ...   Jeenam

12-07-08   Here is my suggestion: create a list of all amplifiers with ...   Mrtennis

12-07-08   I read some reviews on the vk500. allot feel it is dark soun ...   Stereo

12-07-08   Following mrtennis' advice above will result in the best pos ...   Tvad

12-08-08   I think the "try it for yourself and/or in your system, ...   Blindjim

12-08-08   The vk-500 or 200 is not dark sounding at all. in fact i say ...   Samzx12

12-08-08   i absolutely agree. auditioning new audio gear is often imp ...   Tvad

12-08-08   The value of suggestions should be tested. consider this th ...   Mrtennis

12-08-08   You have all given me allot of great advise. tvad, i think y ...   Stereo

12-09-08   Good amps go quickly. facts & opinions, not withstanding.   Blindjim

12-09-08   For us2500 one of those modded mccormacks dna series would b ...   Nolitan


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