$8k budget. Need advice.


Hello all,

If you clicked on this page you must have some kind of input. But first, let me narrow it down.

I just picked up a pair of AAD 2001 monitors. I love these to death and may never give them up. I need an amp now that will work best with these.

First, music I enjoy ranges from dark folk music (like Iron and Wine) to Classical guitar and Contemporary/Modern Piano to Sia and Ingrid Michaelson. Even some emo/punk mixed in here and there.

The sound I'm going for is a slightly open mid-range and tube-like lush (which is a requirement). Extended highs and good bass control is mandatory as well. Good blend of resolution and musicality would be best. I tend to like the warmer sound as well, given my preference to tubes.

Amp will need to be an integrated with a tube pre-amp (but will consider SS if it is warm enough). Needs to be class A or A/B, 100-300 watts per channel into 8ohm and be at least semi-aesthetically pleasing. Yes, looks count too but are not top priority.

At this point I'm seriously considering a BAT VK300se 6H30 model. I've read other threads on this one and it seems great but don't know if it will be good for the AADs.

If you've had experience with other integrated amps of this type/class I'd be very interested in your feedback. Anything up to the $8k range, new/used, doesn't matter. Biggest reason I'm asking is because this is one of those rare opportunities that I actually have money to spend on a hobby like this and it may not come again for a very long time. I need to make this one count. All inputs are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
tiggerfc
I love the 2001 speakers and have heard them many times at a local high-end shop.In fact, the owner of the shop also loves them and keeps a pair at home.While I have enjoyed listening to them with a number of amps,the Raysonic SP-200 Integrated amp is my favorite with these speakers.
Hi

we sold about 15 pair of the aad 2001's an if you bought them used they probably came from me ... I also own a pair of 2001 myself and like you will NEVER get rid of them ,,,

This being said --I would run them (and do ) with a pair of Raysonic M-100 Tube mono Blocks and a JAS Array 1.1 SE tube Pre-amp and They sound Glorious !!!
see our webe site at --
www.questforsound.com

the other option is a pair of Musical fidelity MF 550 mono Blocks --550wpc and gain the JAS Array 1.1 SE tube pre-amp

again a superb choice with this speaker
Thank you all for taking the time to make your recommendations. They are appreciated.

Mceljo, I've always admired the Nova for what it is. Great for general listening but lacks the overall power to really make these monitors get up and go. But the sound is still killer, even in that respect. It isn't anything against Signal Path or its lower cost that precludes it from being a choice. Simply put, I'm looking for the one where I can sit back and say "I'm done"... for now, anyway. :)
I would take a serious look at the LSA integrated amps. I believe there is a used Statement for sale on A'gon. I used to own one and loved it but sold it when I bought a new pair of speakers that needed more power. Good luck.