Amp recommendation please

Hi all,

Old time audio lover, have been out of touch for a while, have been reading here for a couple of months. My budget for second hand amp is about 2k, listening room is about 20x23ft.

I am re-building and am looking for an amp recommendation. I am looking for a high end power amp, smooth but one that can slam. I listen to everything from Miles to classical to modern hip hop to very hard rock.

I need the amp to be able to be quick enough for the hard stuff, and smooth and accurate enough for the easier listening.

I've used Brystons (old big logo) and liked their gusto. Are the new ones ST, SST, more refined? And how about McIntosh? Will say a 252 be able to hit hard? Again, I've heard older amps for smooth(er) music and liked them very much. Or what is in the middle of those two?

I do not have a good diverse audio shop in town that carries multiple brands of amps that I can a/b so any recommendations would be very welcome.

I have Thiel 1.5s and Canton's (older), and no pre-amp yet.

Thanks very much for any help offering.

z