Ever used hybrid power amps?

I had a Counterpoint SA-220 upgraded with the basic and some gold modifications. It is not as bloomy as the stock amp that I own but that could be due to using Amperex Bugle Boy 6DJ8s in the stock amp. The modified amp is more natural sounding, faster, tighter bass, better details and overall not as warm sounding as the stock amp. Worth the price of $2K over the stock amp, yes but I still enjoy the stock amps performance too especially for the price. Only two tubes 6SN7s (VT-231s) so tube rolling is very easy. The Counterpoints are SS output with tube input, not sure about the others mentioned here. Best to find one that someone has already modified as you can get them much cheaper then having the mods done yourself.

Happy Listening

Hey everybody, thanks so much for your responses. If I were to acquire any of the NYAL stuff I'd have an upgrade path stretching from here to eternity, thanks to resident audio guru Steve Sank, who loves working on them. Tripper, I'd love to hear more about the Anodyne stuff, but I can't find anything on the web. Can you point me in the right direction? In the meantime, I guess I'll just see what pops up on the Gon!

I heartily recommend that you consider the Music Reference RM200. It is a 100 wpc hybrid with a transistor input section and a tube output section. It is built by Roger Modjeski, who, like Frank Van Alstine has spent decades designing truly wonderful sounding stuff that is not heinously expensive. The RM-200 is particularly effective with difficult loads, and even has 2 ohm taps! It is also attractive and built to last. At ~$2k on the used market it is a great bargain.