What is Best SS AMP for $2000 and under?

Good job, you've bought the last amp you'll want for a long long time.

The 350's noteworthy strength among everything done perfectly is the greatest bass control of any amp...period. Speaker cables reward upgrades because it's the damping factor that has to do with this. The speaker drivers send a back pulse signal through the wires back to the amp, the damping factor determines how this is controlled or not. The 350 has a damping factor that's off the charts.

If your cable has the resolution to reveal layered bass detail the difference you notice in power cords will blow you away, literally. I kid you not...I've showed people differences in power cords that had them watching what I did with the change because they thought I was changing the whole system on them.

Feel free to contact me with any questions

Thanks guys for all of your help! In particular, thank you to Aintitgr8 - I took your recommendation and bought the Belles 350. Being shipped today. Seller was great. Can't wait to hook it up.

Audiogon is the best site I found in my research.

Thanks All! Does anyone have an opinion on the Belles 350A as compared with the Van Alstine 450?

Agree with the Belles, didn't realize the price could be so low on that...

For $2,000 and under,I would buy any Edge amp used. Just plain musical with plenty of power.

Belles 350-A, there is one on Audiogon right now that is the newest version.

The bass control is the best in the industry... period.

I've had them in systems out to over $100k a to b against some of the finest amps made both solid state and tube. They respond to power cords with layers of bass detail, literally you will never hear bass or anything else like it. They are accurate and fast like solid state with a laid back tube ease.

They will hold up their end with any extreme equipment you ever go to. My favorite tube amps were the $18,000 BAT VK-150 monoblocks, but switching to the Belles they were as easy to listen to but with more detail and bass control They are rated at 250w per channel but bench test at more like 320wpc,and will drive any ridiculous loads like electrostatics that can dip into 2 ohms.

Just a note on Frank Van Alstine. I've had a chance to visit his shop (the basement of his home at the time) in Burnsville. A fine gentleman and delightful music for reasonable money. I've owned various things from him over the years and have been thinking of going back.

Bel Canto Ref1000 used.
Feel the difference!

You all have been very helpful! What a great site! Thank you - looks like I have some research to do thanks to you! Brian

Owned Odyssey , Van Alstine is far better .

I like Odyssey in that price range also, new or used. I agree you should have concerns about repair for an almost 30 year old amp.

Thanks Sbank. I should add that I am looking for a previously owned amp. An ML 23 might be a candidate but I'm concerned about the caps needing to be replaced at this age. Does my willingness to insider a used amp help?

I think that Julius is still around. Can't the Otez be repaired?

The Odyssey amps have impressed me in this price range, especially the monoblocks. Also the Pass Labs, but don't think you'll get enough power in your price range. Cheers,
Spencer

I have owned tubed amps at 4.5K and liked them a great deal... but I now have an Audio by Van Alstine Synergy 300 amp and it is wonderful. Full bodied, tube like (even though SS) and just right in every way. Honestly, check AVA out --- they make stuff that compete and compete well against competitors at 3X the cost.

Van Alstine Synergy 450 .