Affordable SS that sound like Tubes


I was a 100% vinyl guy for many years. Due to maintenance cost and aggravation I switched to DSD after a lot of research and I have no regrets.

 

I am looking for suggestions on affordable SS that sounds as good as Tubes. 

 

Here's the rub. My Mid Monos were less than $2,000 brand new and they sound incredible. As does my Pre that costed me less than $1,000.

Integrated suggestions are welcomed.

And I would like to hear from people that had fine tube equipment and switched to fine SS equipment.

And please, no mention of "Tubes have Higher Distortion." LOL

T

128x128tonydennison

Is a Pass XA-25 affordable? I use one alternated (mood swings) with a tube amp. Also, Sansui amps were at best mediocre back in the day, and compared to even the least expensive integrated these days a comparison is laughable.

Pass XA-25 is certainly affordable, but I can't it tops what I have. It is quite extraordinary especially with my heresy's. 

I would suspect it is as you say to Sansui.

@tonydennison - I have an xA25, but think the First watt sit 3, with a tube front end sounds the best with my Cornwall lV’s.

Look into a hybrid integrated amp. The cayin h80a is class A, dual mono and has 2 pre amp tubes. Very well built, sounds great and could be had in the 2k range used. Tube rolling is east because you only have the 2 pre amp tubes to roll and you can experiment all you want. 
 

Good luck! 

This isn't exactly on topic but... Recently heard Anthem gear with and without room correction turned on. The sound was pretty darn good. 

I've been suffering from a bit of tube replacement anxiety, and thus weighing my options. My amp uses kt120's and they're as rare as hens teeth at the moment. So, yeah I've auditioned some SS gear but, nothing is really the same as tubes