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
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.
12-03-08: Stereo
How would Belles compare to Butler?
Buy one of each (used) and you decide how they compare. Keep the winner, sell the loser.
I just got the Butler 5150 for my HT rig to replace my Anthem PVA-7 and it is really sweet. As people are prone to say around here, the difference was not subtle...

I totally agree with Rlwainwright - this is a solidly built piece - the binding posts put a lot of car batteries to shame. In case you are wondering, the Butler manual says that they expect the tubes to last as long as the amp - no tube rolling, they are soldered in.

Detail and layering is tremendous. Dynamics so far are effortless.

Depending how much you want to mess with it, you could get a big Threshold and have Sodenberg work it over. That most likely would fit the bill with a 100 watts to spare over the Butler.

Don't know how helpful this is but FWIW I am very pleased.
Search for recent post from Atmasphere to see why impact of proper impedence matching on bass performance of tube and/or solid state amps!