Help me pick an amp for under $5,000


So I finally have the scratch for an amp and I'm looking for some help. My system consists of a Sony SCD-1, Music Hall MMF-7 (new table in the works), Aesthetix Janus Preamp, and Totem Forests. I posted a thread a couple of days ago but only got one taker (I think I posted it too late at night, or it was too specific).

When I initially heard the aesthetix it was with a Bat VK-250SE and JM LAB 926BEs. I loved the BAT's sound (although find the look of it to be questionable, but I could get over that) but I'm wondering what else I should be looking at in this price range (slightly over is okay too) that would mate well with what I have, and with any possible speaker upgrades, since the Totem's aren't the last word for me (new listening room is 17x20 with high ceilings, so I worry about them dissapearing).

I'd like to stay with SS, and realistically think 150wpc into 8 ohms and above, just to cover myself incase my next speakers are power hungry. So what else would mate well? Parasound JC-1s have been mentioned, but can't get a ton of input on the match with the rest of the gear. Pass X250.5? Something from Simaudio? I feel a bit at a loss since I've not been able to hear the aesthetix with my speakers or other amps, so help is much needed.

FWIW I listen to everything, but concentrate on Jazz, folk/acoustic, Indie rock, soul. and classic rock, with some avante-garde classical thrown in.

Thanks a ton!
mimberman
Whatever you get stay balanced. The Janus is going to be much better with the balanced outputs and into a balanced amp.
Get a Mac 402 - best amp I have ever heard or owned. Yep, that darn good. Used $3500 or so.

Bill
You need to audition for sure. I would add the Cary CAD500MB to my list as well. Yes I do own them so that is my bias. 500 watts of smooth and serious SS mono's, I stopped thinking about amps once I heard mine. YMMV of course and you should buy what your ears tell you is best.
Looks bad on the BAT ??? Maybe you saw the silver and black version. Go all black then. They have the all black pic posted on www.balanced.com/products/amp/vk-250/black.html.

Used, you can also go with a BAT VK75SE in your price range. The BAT tube amps are autobiasing, so tubes are really plug and play. I know you're asking for more power than 75/side. But I doubt you'd be disapointed. The vk75se drives the heck out of my wilson wp 6.0's.

The VK250SE is a amazing SS amp. The 75SE might have better mids is the difference.

Good luck !