2. amps-preamps
  3. 1228262008

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
blindjim
3,092 posts
 
For $2K, I'd think odyssey Extreme monos, used... or perhaps a Belles 350 given the reports I've seen online, and given what my Odyssey Stratos SE does with my tube preamp. I would also have thought that with a nice tube preamp, even the Krell entry level KAV 250 could be a good choice. The KAV has some mighty impressive bass. My only knock on it was the highs were bright. I was using a SS pre at the time with mine. Better results likely would be had with a tube pre though..... having heard and had both Odyssey & Krell, I'm a tad more interested now in the Belles. Purely from the curiosity aspect though.

If you want more the musical/warm amp, the BAT vk500 is a no brainer... especially with the BAT pack opt. I wish I still had that amp. With either SS or tube pre, it's outstanding.
missioncoonery
1,237 posts
 
IMO ,of the gear on your short list..Butler TBD 2250, Mark Levinson 27.5, Quicksilver V4, Rouge Audio M150, Llano Designs Trinity, Pass Labs X250....I would check out the Quicksilver monos..I would definately pass on the Levinson and the Pass 250 given your wants
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Best sound and value is anything by Cayin. Sweet it is!
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Maybe the b&k m200 sonata monoblocks or the classe s700 might work for you;I had the sonata's driving merlin 4b+'s and dunlavy scIII's with excellant results.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I looked at the McCormack a few years ago. I don't remember why I went another direction. I will research them again. They may have been more then I wanted to spend at that time.

I don't know anything about Odyssey amps. They sure are reasonable though. I don't know much about BAT either except they are fully balanced. I don't know their sound.

I've always heard great things about Quicksilvers, but never heard them, but now because of an earlier comment, maybe iI should shy away from tube equipment because of the lack of bass slam. Not sure.

Cayin....which one? I need some power so less then 100 watts would not be good.

B&K m200 were great in their day. I remember them always beating out Adcom, but I think the Butler would destroy them now. I know the Classe name, but I am not familiar with their sound.
More to discover