I think the VR-2's sounds great with tubes, but you say that you want SS.
The Classe is a solid choice. I haven't heard the Copland.
Other options in that price range include the Musical Fidelity A3 series and the Music Hall Mambo. In my experience, the MF is more on the clear and powerful side (though not quite as much as the Classe), the Mambo more on the warmish side.
And what's wrong with hybrids and NAD? IMHO, NAD makes great products for the money, and many of us started with NAD equipment that served us very well, especially when the price is factored into the equation.
Michael
The Classe is a solid choice. I haven't heard the Copland.
Other options in that price range include the Musical Fidelity A3 series and the Music Hall Mambo. In my experience, the MF is more on the clear and powerful side (though not quite as much as the Classe), the Mambo more on the warmish side.
And what's wrong with hybrids and NAD? IMHO, NAD makes great products for the money, and many of us started with NAD equipment that served us very well, especially when the price is factored into the equation.
Michael