Choice on a $3,000 to $5,000 SS amp

On my short list to demo in that range would be Pass Labs X250.5 and Plinius SB300. I'd like to get the SB301, but they go for $8K new, and I haven't seen used up for sale yet. Maybe you could get deal for a new one?? When business is slow people tend to take less margin than usual. If I was a dealer and could make an easy grand on a sale I'd take it.

Rowland 501 monoblocks, used.

Ayre V-5xe or Ayre V-1xe; any of the big Pass amps.

There are a set of BAT VK-1000 monoblocks for sale now-I'd think about those, in addition to the VK-220 & VK-250.

Owned both Ayre pieces, currently have the VK-200, which is in the same family as VK-1000 & have listened extensively to the VK-220 (w/BAT pack) and have listened extensively to a Pass 350.

I had the Ayre V-1XE and did a home audition of the Pass 350.5. I preferred the Ayre. But the Pass was also nice.
Should be able to find one used in your price range.

how many watts do you need? If 30 is enough, I doubt there is any ss better than Pass XA30.5 or used XA60s. Although Ayre would certainly be on my short list.