Gave up my SET----looking for moderate to higher power replacement options

If a Pass Xa25 is in your realm you absolutely should audition one. Fantastic little amp. Not sure sure where it was ever called “colored”. Not. Pure class A awesome.

I tried the Legacy PowerBloc class D amp with my SE’s because I just had to know. I found it really did a great job controlling the bass but the mids and highs just lacked the nuance that my class A/B SS amp offers. That was the basis for my suggestion. I have been interested in moving to an integrated (hence my search for a tube integrated) and I’m not sure one exists either tube or  SS that can match separates. I had a Plinius SA-103 which is 220w into 4 ohms class A and felt it lacked power. I moved up to the Plinius SB-301MKII which is 380w class A/B and the sound improvement was very noticeable. The SE’s seemingly love power. I’m not talking about overall volume but just the grip on the bass and the overall coherence of the sound. At least in my system.

A used Lyngdorf 2170 is available for less than 3K USD? That could quite possibly be the way to go. Definitely worth serious consideration at the price point. Excellent recommendation from Bill (brownsfan).
Charles

Replacing a good SET amp in the price range you specify isn't easy.  Despite the inherent limitations of SET amps, they can indeed impart a certain magic to music, distortion and all.  

I've moved on from SET.  I found my destination amps with my Atma-Sphere M-60s.  I had the M1 power supply and Vcap upgrades, and spent some effort in selecting driver tubes.  It is fed by a 101D based tube preamp.  That set up  got me all the virtues of SET and none of the limitations.  No looking back for me.  But that option is outside your price range.

Ralph is not blowing smoke on his comments on what is really false dynamics in SET amps.

After my SET amps got bumped from my main rig, they went into my downstairs living room system.  After spending a couple of years there, they got bumped again, this time by a Lyngdorf 2170 integrated.  This is a class D amp that also contains a really good DSP feature.  It is an amp that is hard to characterize.  To my ears, it doesn't sound like SS, but it doesn't sound like an SET tube amp either.  IF your source material is digital, and if you can benefit from digital room correction, this might be something to consider.  You can get one used under 3K.   It is not anything special in my estimation if you are an analog source guy.

@icherekpal,
Okay I clearly understand your dilemma and why you’ve decided to move away from tube amplifiers. Less recurring cost and a gain in convenience and simplicity. I think you’ve spoiled your ears with the 805 SET😊.
If you find a class D amplifier that sonically comes close to the JAS Audio SET amplifier, please post and let us all know.of your successful acquisition. I wish you the best in your ongoing search. 
Charles

“Simplify! That’s my goal in audio now as well as life”.

If that’s indeed your goal then get high efficiency speakers > 96db and you don’t have to deal with this bi-amping crap (no offense) or high wattage amps. I went from 92dB to 96dB efficiency speakers and couldn’t be any happier.

falconquest---been using solid state to drive the woofers for several yrs, everything from pro amps to integrateds and now a preamp & separate power amp.  The issue is that the 45w I got out of my SET just wasn't quite enough some of the time.  The SET broke down (again) so I sold it.  I have a pretty good gainclone in the Audiozone Amp1 but it too is a bit lacking in power and just doesn't quite have the presence and inner detail of the SET so.... that's why I'm considering Class D finally.  I hated the Wyred4Sound ST500 but I'm hearing that Class D has arrived.  Hoping to either verify that or have the opposite confirmed.  And I DO really like tubes but I've had enough issues with them and the replacement cost + it can be pretty difficult to source good tubes.  Simplify!  That's my goal in audio now as well as life.  

I think the answer here could be quite simple. I have recently been researching tube amps for my Focus SE's and have come to the conclusion that there isn't a tube amp out there that can drive them properly. So think about it, Mr Dudleston makes several of his speaker models with powered low end drivers. Simply use a class D amp on the low end drivers to control the bass and then pick your favorite tube amp for the top end. This creates a combination of well controlled bass and those mids/highs that you're looking for with tubes. 

No other than they are using good Hypex modules. I've heard the March 502 that also uses Hypex, very neutral amp with good power. 

Charles----I already sold the JAS.  I had it repaired a couple yrs ago, a problem with a bank of bridge rectifiers if I recall correctly.  I used it briefly until the heat made me switch in the warm weather substitute amp.  I then moved 3 times in 2 yrs and only recently attempted to install the JAS again.  It didn't work correctly and the tech who did the work had retired with no one remotely close to pick up his spot.  So..... I'll certainly miss that amp but I really don't want to mess a full tube amp again.  I'm happy to try hybrids.  Anyone use the Rogue Hydra or Medusa?  

djones51--- I was looking at the Nord monoblocks on TMR.  Any experience with them?  And I'll be looking for used LKV or AGD amps though it may be a while before they sell at my price point.  Sucks to be poor!

Here are some more popular class D options, 

PS Audio Stellar M700 are Stereophile Class-A rated .......
Bel Canto class-D mono-blocks, REF 600M

Likewise highly praised but even more outside the price limit.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/lkv-veros-pwr-power-amplifier

Buy a used ClassD that outputs at least 500 watts @ 8 Ohm. If it doesn't work for you resell it. I see a couple of good used ones on here and TMR. 

The AGD seems to be a very nice alternative amplifier choice but is well outside the stated budget of 3000.00 USD.
Charles 

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0220/AGD_The_Audion_GaNTube_Monoblocks_Review.htm

The reviewer replaced his SET with AGD.

@icherekpal,
You had a beautiful sounding amplifier, 300b driving 805 DHT output tubes. I don’t believe you’ll find a class D, SS or push pull tube amplifier that will match the "magic" (I appreciate your use of the term in this context) tactile realism and tone you miss from the JAS Array SET.

I do believe that you’ll find a very good sounding replacement amplifier that is overall a better match with you speakers. I get your point about replacement cost of the 300b and 805 tubes (Worth it in my opinion for the sound quality you received). If I were in your situation I'd keep the JAS and find more compatible speakers.
Best of luck,
Charles

What I heard with the JAS Array 2.1 was a purity that I hadn't heard before nor in any thing else in my system since.  The sound was not warm nor lush.  It was quite neutral in that sense if not slightly lean.  And the images had a fullness and a very clear place in space that sounded "real".  It was just more detailed with subtleties that increased realism beyond anything else.   That's what I'm asking about in a possible Class D replacement.  I hear much of it in some of the gainclones I've tried but they tend to be lower powered as well.  For  90% of my listening, that's not an issue.  And I don't think I was pushing the JAS or the gainclones the majority of the time.  But, there are those occasions and some music just cannot be listened too at lowish levels, right?

Atmasphere--you've responded to a few of my inquiries and I always appreciate your comments.  I put on my reading glasses and go over your comments several times to make sure I comprehend all that I can.  Regarding tubes.....I would be happy to try something like the Rogue Hydra.  But I want to get away from a full-tube amplifier.  

And I gave a lot of thought to the Pass xa 25 and 30.5.  I posted here asking about their transparency/detail compared to the Gamut D100/200 and got the impression that they are a bit less detailed and perhaps colored.  The reviews sound great but leave me wondering if there are options closer to what I'm looking for.

Millercarbon----I have read lots of Tekton reviews and have considered the DI SE's.  Most reviews sound spot on for what I like in a speaker but every now-and-then, a reviewer comments on how the top end just doesn't sound as polished as it could.  I read that the Spatial Audio M-4 bettered the Tektons.  Now, I'd have to look it up the be more specific, and I did see other similar complaints but more than anything else, I really do like my DIY/Legacy Focus clones.  They replaced a pair of Von Schweikert VR 4 gen II and the improvement was vast.  And since then, I lined the cabinets with sound deadener, rewired with solid core silver plated copper and paid to have the crossovers upgraded.  I also bypass the binding posts and run the wires directly to the crossovers.  And they're just to damn big to ship.  

others----will look into the Hydra, the 12au7 has been a long time favorite tube of mine.  I will also look into the AGD and LKV amps.  These are the kind of recommendations I am hoping for, amps I've never heard of.  There are just so many fairly obscure Class D amps to investigate so thanks for pointing me in the right directions.  Thanks all!

I just don't see you finding the magic you've had anywhere else but tubes. Asking to get that magic while also playing loud AND for under $3k is a pretty tall order. At least with your speakers, which if they are the clones you say they are then they are about 95dB. Which could be worse, but could also be better.

All I can say, I get plenty of tube magic from my Melody, (it was about $2500 full retail when new), and a Raven Nighthawk will sound even better and you can get one for $3k. The Melody was able to play good and loud with Talon Khorus that were only 92dB. Now with Moabs at 98dB it plays a lot louder without ever going anywhere near where it was with the less efficient Khorus.  

Of course we have no way of knowing if your DIY speakers are 95dB, or more, or less. Huge difference. Could be all you need are Tekton Double Impacts.

Anyway, I would totally give the Raven Nighthawk a try.

The best-sound class D right now (pending a few anticipated future releases) are likely going to be the AGD, already mentioned above, and the LKV Veros.  Both of which are well outside your price range.

SS: along with Pass and Accuphase, I'd add Sugden.

And despite the modest power rating, this amp had startling dynamics.

Because the ear uses higher ordered harmonics to sense sound pressure, and because this amp was really being pushed to hard to drive this speaker, higher ordered harmonics were showing up on the transients where the power is. IOW, it was distortion masquerading as 'dynamics'.


The mark of a good system is that it does not sound loud even when it is. This will be because distortion is controlled.


SETs make a particular type of distortion known mathematically as a Quadratic Non-linearity. This results in the primary distortion component being the 2nd harmonic followed closely by the 3rd. This gives you a rich sound, but again its due to distortion. The only class D amps that make that kind of distortion are zero feedback designs. You'll have to ask if they have a quadratic non-linearity; if they don't know what you're talking about don't buy the amp even if you don't know what that is either :)

Amps that make a 3rd harmonic might be interesting to you. The ear treats the 3rd the same as the 2nd, but amps that make the 3rd harmonic as the primary distortion component tend to be overall lower distortion. If you want the musicians to sound real this is a better way to go. Such an amp will still have some romance- it won't be dry.

Have you considered other tube amplifiers?

“Do any of the Class D amps truly approach SET sonics?”
Well that’s a wishful thinking :-)

The two brands that are very close to SET sonics are Pass Labs and Accuphase, both amps I’ve listened were Class A. For $3K budget, keep your eyes peeled for used bargain like this one,
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649702521-pass-labs-305/

For class D, check out Audion Monoblocks from AGD,
https://agdproduction.com/audion/

https://youtu.be/vPsbuYaQ7es

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2019/09/30/agd-productions-sigma-acoustics-rmaf-2019/

I’ve heard the AGD Vivace GaNTube™ monoblocks driving the the Sigma Acoustics MAAT Vector XAC speakers, best class D sound but still nowhere near the SET magic.

Good luck with your search!

I am an importer for a company that produces wonderful SETs and my speakers that I make use Eton drivers. 

In your price range, your best option for a power amp will be the Rogue Hydra but you will need to roll in different tubes.  I would suggest hunting down some NOS Mullard Longplates.  It is not going to sound like a SET but at least it will sound like a tube amp. 

You should be able to fine a used Hydra in the $1500 to $2200 range depending on condition, private sale vs. used dealer, etc...  I personally still own a Hydra and it is a very good sounding amp.  New it will list for $3K.  

Although I am a dealer, I have no affiliation with Rogue.