Hi, I have a couple of comments:
1. Regarding the comment by Jeff Jones - "The typical bass advantage of solid state is likely not much of a benifit." This is not entirely true, although his point is well made. The amp you choose is no longer directly driving your 5As. However, it's signature on the bottom end IS. So you WILL hear a difference on the bottom end even when using a HP filter and the inboard amp. Simply put, that amp will only replicate what it sees from your amp. So it's still important to have good bass in your main amp.
2. Jimburger and I know each other well and I agree with his sentiments. My top picks for the 5As are the BEL amps, Quicksilver V4s and the Theta Citadel mono-blocks. We have both heard the Citadels on my system and although I would stick with my BELs, those Citadels were darn close. Also, they may not have been fully broken in. So I would add them to the list for sure. Since they are out of the price range you mentioned you may want to try the next model down from Them and see if you like it. All of these amps are well known musical pairings. Regarding ARC, give them a listen too. Although they aren't my favorites they are very musical on Vandersteens. Just make sure you don't buy the highest power version as they tend to be less reliable than their other designs (in my personal experience).
Let your ears choose!
1. Regarding the comment by Jeff Jones - "The typical bass advantage of solid state is likely not much of a benifit." This is not entirely true, although his point is well made. The amp you choose is no longer directly driving your 5As. However, it's signature on the bottom end IS. So you WILL hear a difference on the bottom end even when using a HP filter and the inboard amp. Simply put, that amp will only replicate what it sees from your amp. So it's still important to have good bass in your main amp.
2. Jimburger and I know each other well and I agree with his sentiments. My top picks for the 5As are the BEL amps, Quicksilver V4s and the Theta Citadel mono-blocks. We have both heard the Citadels on my system and although I would stick with my BELs, those Citadels were darn close. Also, they may not have been fully broken in. So I would add them to the list for sure. Since they are out of the price range you mentioned you may want to try the next model down from Them and see if you like it. All of these amps are well known musical pairings. Regarding ARC, give them a listen too. Although they aren't my favorites they are very musical on Vandersteens. Just make sure you don't buy the highest power version as they tend to be less reliable than their other designs (in my personal experience).
Let your ears choose!