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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   How would belles compare to butler? both have the same power ...   Stereo

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: Mrtennis
here is my suggestion:

create a list of all amplifiers within your price range and listen to as many as possible.

the opinion of others is not a predictor of your attitude towards a product.

get the facts and decide for yourself. listening to a component will educate you, while listening to an opinion without your own personal experience, will not.

if it's out there, listen to it. it's time consuming, but it reduces the rsk of making a mistake.

Mrtennis  (Threads | Answers | This Thread)


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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