Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max


I may have posed a similar question like this a while back, but I'm curious to get any updated thinking from folks, older or newer.

Situation: I have a Quicksilver Line Stage preamp and 60w monoblocks. I'm happy with them. I'd like to have a solid state amp to swap in for the monoblocks from time to time (weather, variety).

Typical desiderata in the amp are, as you'd expect, great grip on bass and pacing, smooth highs, good presence in mids, as wide and deep a soundstage as possible.

I tried Atoll 120wpc integrated (bypassing the preamp), Van Alstine SET 400, and my old Adcom 535L. None did the above to my satisfaction --problem mainly with mid, treble and with soundstage depth.

I've heard that stepping up the quality could bring something to the table, and to look out for Hegel, Ayre, Pass. Open to any topology. My speakers are 87 db, 8 ohm, and are driven just fine by 60w tube or solid state.

Specific recommendations for brands and models are welcome. I'm willing to buy, try, and re-sell if there's a good chance I'll want to keep it.

I'm going to be watching for things on used sites. Again, for this I'm setting an upper limit of $3k but am hopeful I could do fine with much less.
128x128hilde45
are you insistent on this particular component combination? Why not sink that budgeted money into a good integrated amplifier (very attainable), where all the guesswork is done for you with perfectly matched synergy in one box?
+1 on Benchmark AHB2.  They offer a 30-day free trial.  For clarity and transparency, they set the bar.  I ran a PS Audio S300 for quite a while, but the AHB2 is easily better.

If, however, you prefer a little coloration and warmth, it would not be a good match.  I've never tried a tube pre with the AHB2, but that combo might provide the best of both worlds.
A couple of older solid state amps that sound quite good.

Bryston 2B

Robertson 4010
I used a Naïm NAP 100 to my BeePree 300B pre amp and that was a nice combination. You can go to a heavier Naïm power amp to get more power.