The best amp for $2k tube, solid state or hybrid

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.

The BAT VK500 w/BAT PACK will let you listen to more of your classic rock CD collection I believe. There's not a harsh bone in it's body. Gobs of power. I got a whole lot of "they are here" using it with my tube preamp Sony CDP, and VR4 JR speakers. Being a touch to the warm side of neutral with great tuneful bass and bass impact, very good extension up top without grain or gloss, and strong midrange.... use with or without adapters! I did both. Works great with a variety of loudspeakers. Two power cords however, as it's a true dual mono block amp on a single chassis..

A BAT PACK option is simple... it provides a greater power reserve. In other woreds, within reason of course, it will not run out of steam (headroom) with the majority of musical passages on the larger majority of speakers. the overwhelming majority of the VK500 SS amps were made with the BP option.

The reviews I've read on the Belles point them towards being solidly more a neutral sounding amp. there's nothing right or wrong about either choice, warm or neutral... it comes down to what you, and your system needs are presently.

If currently your deal is a mite hot up top, or thin elsewhere, warmth might be in order. if things however are really full and fleshed out, neutrality seems the ticket. IMO. If bass is key for you or you're a bass junkie I doubt you'll get what you seek going with tube amps without adding a nice sub.

I know the vk500 has plenty of bass, and the reviews on the Belles indicate they do as well... some models more than others.

Both companies have outstanding customer service and build quality.

having a tube pre will give you some latitude too in attaining the sound you seek if an SS amp is added.

I think the "Try it for yourself and/or in your system, preferably" disclaimer should be a banner ad at any audio forum website. it goes along without saying it of course. Duh!

It is the obvious answer to about 80% or more, of all the questions ever asked regarding component matching or upgrading. It seldom goes with out being said at some point, by someone who likes to underline the obvious as a pearl of wisdom.... as good advice as it is I just cringe when I see it. I'm also guilty of making it's mention in the past or as a last resort.

Without local facilities for auditioning or facilities which will not allow said auditioning, or a ton of frequent flyer miles, questions like this need to be asked. Perhaps in part to formulate some sort of short list, cull the heard, or simply to see what other's have experienced as food for thought.

For example, I never found the vk 500 dark sounding. Dark to me means less detailed and resolute. I got more "they are here" with that amp in my system then, than I have with any other SS amp I've owned. So I can't account for those notions. Everyone I've spoken to who has owned a vk500 w/BP that sold it to move on and try out some other amps, has always said they wish they hadn't sold it, myself included. So that's something, I think.

Not to digress... Sure enough the "Audiogone buy and try shuffle" works too. Maybe it comes down to merely asking these "What's best" questions so as to attempt to do less shuffling later.

Asking such questions, and then going on responses here has certainly worked better for me these past few years... like as not, I haven't acquired the perfect match at any given aspect, however I am very well pleased with my choices going this way... thus far. It's sure saved me from installing a loading dock and turnstile in front of my home.

At the level of many of the components tallied here, good to very good is an easy enough task to attain. Excellent isn't very much harder, usually it's just more expensive.

The pickier one is the more time, $$$, and frustrating this hobby becomes.

Perfection is a myth in an imperfect world.

Good luck.

Good amps go quickly. Facts & opinions, not withstanding.