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
Following Mrtennis' advice above will result in the best possible choice for each listener.
I think the "Try it for yourself and/or in your system, preferably" disclaimer should be a banner ad at any audio forum website. it goes along without saying it of course. Duh!

It is the obvious answer to about 80% or more, of all the questions ever asked regarding component matching or upgrading. It seldom goes with out being said at some point, by someone who likes to underline the obvious as a pearl of wisdom.... as good advice as it is I just cringe when I see it. I'm also guilty of making it's mention in the past or as a last resort.

Without local facilities for auditioning or facilities which will not allow said auditioning, or a ton of frequent flyer miles, questions like this need to be asked. Perhaps in part to formulate some sort of short list, cull the heard, or simply to see what other's have experienced as food for thought.

For example, I never found the vk 500 dark sounding. Dark to me means less detailed and resolute. I got more "they are here" with that amp in my system then, than I have with any other SS amp I've owned. So I can't account for those notions. Everyone I've spoken to who has owned a vk500 w/BP that sold it to move on and try out some other amps, has always said they wish they hadn't sold it, myself included. So that's something, I think.

Not to digress... Sure enough the "Audiogone buy and try shuffle" works too. Maybe it comes down to merely asking these "What's best" questions so as to attempt to do less shuffling later.

Asking such questions, and then going on responses here has certainly worked better for me these past few years... like as not, I haven't acquired the perfect match at any given aspect, however I am very well pleased with my choices going this way... thus far. It's sure saved me from installing a loading dock and turnstile in front of my home.

At the level of many of the components tallied here, good to very good is an easy enough task to attain. Excellent isn't very much harder, usually it's just more expensive.

The pickier one is the more time, $$$, and frustrating this hobby becomes.

Perfection is a myth in an imperfect world.

Good luck.
The VK-500 or 200 is not dark sounding at all. In fact I say quite the opposite. If you compare it to a Bryston then maybe so. The BAT SS amps are very musical and powerful. It really depends on your speakers I guess. If they are very laid back and dark you might need a brighter more resolute amp. If they are neutral or on the cool side then BAT amps will work great.

And I agree with Blindjims above post :) Not everyone can audition equipment without frequent flyer miles or spending precious hard earned dollars travelling the county auditioning gear. Mr Tennis responses are always the same and most of us do require fellow audiogoners opinions and advice. I do realize we all have personal choices but at least one has some sort of an idea after posting our questions.
Not everyone can audition equipment without frequent
flyer miles or spending precious hard earned dollars travelling the county
auditioning gear.
Samzx12 (Threads | Answers)

I absolutely agree. Auditioning new audio gear is often impossible, and hearing
it at shows or in a dealer's showroom is only marginally helpful.

This is the primary reason most of my amps and preamps have been purchased
used. Wait patiently. Search the listings. Buy an interesting item when it appears
at a price that will allow re-sale if it doesn't meet expectations.

This has proven to be the best and most cost effective method for me. I know it
doesn't work for everyone.
the value of suggestions should be tested.

consider this thread. suggestions for an amplifier costing up to $2000 have been elicited.

consider two lists. the first contains the names and manufacturers of 10 amplifiers., based upon the advice of posters, while the second, is a list of amplifiers chosen arbitrarily.

it is my hypothesis that, without an audition, selecting 10 pairs of amplifiers, randommly from both lists, a buyer will not be better off chosing an amp from either list.

opinions are overrated. one can be just as happy without them. its fun to discuss, but opinions don't make music.