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

Showing 6 responses by stereo

stereo OP
147 posts
 
Thanks for the replies.

I did some research on the Theta and there are some good reviews, most in a HT system. Some say the bass is great, but the mids could be better.

I have not considered the Cary 120s. There isn't much info on them from people who have them. There are a few on Audiogon for sale at a great price. I would like to get more peoples impression of it though.

The Pass X250 won't work for me if it is too sterile and audiophile like. I like a more lush sound too, but alive as well or more forward. Tube bass may be an issue. I like a little kick. I am still considering the 27.5.

This info brings me back to the Butler 2250. Price is right and it seems like the best of both worlds. I also like the option of the 12v turn on, just in case I want to incorporate it into my HT system some day.
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.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
How would Belles compare to Butler? Both have the same power.

Sonic Frontiers made some nice stuff. Are they still in business? If not who supports them?

I must be honest. I am leaning toward hybrid or solid state.

I am selling my 350M's for the purchase of a new amp. I want to try something different. I have the bug. I have two people interested and I'll see how it pans out. I figure I'd do my homework in the mean time.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I am going to use my NAD CD player as a transport when I finish my TDA-1541A/S2 DAC. I am a big DIYer as well. I think allot of people have underestimated the NAD T-585, because it is a NAD.

I may be underestimating the Belles. Not sure about it's midrange clarity. I may also be underestimating tube amps on their lack of bass slam.

The BAT VK500 sounds interesting too. That sounds like what I am looking for. I don't know what a BAT PACK is. I'll need to do some reading.

No responses on the Llano. This amp seemed like the best deal going. That Trinity 300 was at the top of my list.
stereo OP
147 posts
 
I read some reviews on the VK500. Allot feel it is dark sounding. The Belles may be more my thing. I like clean treble as long as it doesn't make my ears bleed. The class D amps are working really good with the ProAc One Sc clone I built.

Valve Audio Predator is an integrated amp. I just want a power amp. Thanks though.

I do need to go and listed to some amps. We need some better audio clubs so we can listen to others systems that are local. I am 30 miles north of Philly any local clubs?
stereo OP
147 posts
 
You have all given me allot of great advise. Tvad, I think your advise to "Wait patiently. Search the listings. Buy an interesting item when it appears at a price that will allow re-sale if it doesn't meet expectations." is what I will do. There was a used BAT VK500 I inquired about, but it was too late.

I am also tossing around building an amp.
More to discover