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
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!
I can't speak for the DNA-1 or 2 with Rev A, but I have a DNA-125 from McCormack with Gold revision and it is OUTSTANDING. I have had some other units on loan recently (up to $7,000) and no way would I trade the McCormack for any of them. Not to mention that I have exactly $2300 into the Gold DNA-125: not bad at all.