[Sa-dono]

John:

Well I've been thinking of giving the Butler another chance, so I could hear it in my system, and find out for sure whether what I heard in the past was system dependent. However, I happened upon this link today. I was wondering if you can maybe explain why you're selling the amp..since it looks like it will be for a decent sized loss?

You have lavished this amp with such extremely complimentary comments in the past, such as:

"It's got a very balanced sound, with even more musical realism than my former tube hybrid, the AVA 350EX amp, could produce."

"It's very detailed and transparent, with very solid and tight bass, no boominess. It's got that glorious midrange sound that you get from tubes, the bass punch you get from SS, and highs that I haven't quite experienced with any type of amp. It throws a very deep, wide and TALL soundstage. With movies it's downright INTENSE. Pacing on the amp seems natural with both music and movies."

"The Butler is extremely clean sounding, ie neutral."

"This amp is very revealing and exquistely detailed, it will bring out everything, and I do mean everything in the recording your playing, and any bright characteristics of the associated equipment in the chain."

In regards to your system, you said "What I have now though should last at least a year "

Your friend even said, "You're done my friend. Don't even think of selling anything in your current setup till you talk to me. You have created a very special sound with this group of components."

And everyone in your HT club loved the sound.

So you can imagine the shock to see that you're selling the amp. Thanks for any explanation you can provide!

[John B]

Actually factoring in some free stuff I got with the Butler purchase, I'll be coming out even cost/sell wise if I get my asking price.   As for why I'm selling, it's due to an amp re-configuration that I have in mind.  I'm trying to time this sell and subsequent purchase with my bonus check this year   Not knowing how fast the Butler will move on Audiogon I decided to post it early.   My amp re-config will consist of the Butler 2250 stereo amp, and the 3-ch 3150 for center/rear amplification.   The 2250 not only gives me more power, which my Dynaudio's love, but it is also capable of amplifying the higher DSD frequencies.   The 5150 has been my first departure from having a dedicated stereo amp and 3-ch amp in my rig.  I've found this config to be optimal with most any brand of amp, even multi-mono block/single chassis designs.   I wanted some time with the 5 channel version before investing in the more expensive proposition of the 2ch/3ch versions.   So...if you want to give the Butler another go, there's this used, but wonderful sounding 5-ch amp available now Sa-dono.

[Sa-dono]

Thanks for the quick response John! So you're not thinking of ever moving up to a 7.1 setup? And with the sale of the 3800..does that mean you're going to be the lucky owner of a 5900? I'll have to give that amp some thought..since I really don't need the extra 3 channels.

[John B]

Sa-dono,

Though I like to think that someday I'll be able to use the 7.1 functionality of my Krell, I know that in my current room situation it just isn't going to happen.  The only place I could put back channel speakers would be ceiling mount, which would never pass the WAF    

And yes, my Denon 3800 sell is indicative of a 5900 coming my way, hopefully tonight!

[Will D]

I came across this site via  a random search and I was suprised to
see a discussion on the merits of the Butler 5150 multi-channel amp.
As I was the original reviewer on Audigon, I would like to add my
long range impressions of the Butler to this discussion. After listening to
the Butler since 03/13/03, I still have nothing but praise for the work of
BK Butler. As for the brightness, I agree with one of the respondents
who said that the Butler simply amplifies the source. If the source is
bright then the output to the speakers will be bright, the Butler 5150
simply acts as a magnifier. It is one of the most neutral amps that I
have had the pleasure to hear. It took a marvelous presentation
like the Butler to make me give up my all Tube amp as I think that
most solid states amps are lacking in the neutral midrange that a
good tube amp presents. However with the Butler you can have it all,
a to die for midrange presentation along with the extension and airiness
of an excellent solid state amp. It allow you to hear deep into the music
and capture all the nuances of the performance without being dry and
unemotional. As you can see I am still sold on Butler.
[/b]

[satfrat]

Hi Willie and welcome to AudioCircle. This must be some sort of a record, 3 owners of Butler tube hybrid amps at the same forum. I of course agree with all your insights on the Butler. The wide open dynamics of this amp is quite remarkable and I have no doubts that time will only cement these feelings as have yours. Hope you stick around! Regards, Robin