2. amps-preamps
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I need tube sound without the tubes

I've been running tubes for awhile and am just about fed up with all the problems that tubes entail. I've spent the past five years putting out fires...sometimes literally. Problem is I love the tube sound. Now, I'm a poor social worker with a taste for caviar and a pocket for tunafish...anyone out there have any recommendations for a great cheap amplifier that sounds sorta tubey. I need at least 75W per channel to run my speakers effectively. Cheap, my doctor and lawyer friends, means around $400. Maybe I'll be able to afford more in my next lifetime. Anybody want to make a donation to charity?
todd_crosby59c4
upstateaudio's avatar
upstateaudio
249 posts
 
Have you tried B&K, used ST140s go for $2-300 used. The later models are 105 watts per channel. They also run relatively cool. I purchased mine new 8 years ago and have only had to replace it fuses once due to my monkeying around without thinking. They are not very detailed amps, but are extremely smooth.
sedond
1,387 posts
 
try a used electtrocompaniet amp - a bit higher than your budget, but not your typical harsh solid-state sound.
valueaudio
60 posts
 
I'd agree on the Audio Refinement Complete. Very lush tubelike sound. Stereophile rated Class B $$$. I sell them new for $895, but honestly, if you can pick up one like the fellow listed above in fine condition, save yourself about $250 on a good used one. The power is rated at 50 watts per channel, but it smoked another SS I have rated at 75 watts per. The rep swears to me it fully doubles power into 4 ohm loads, and appears to have a very capable power supply.
sws2
35 posts
 
I also think the Audio Refinement is amazingly like tubes. It means it is possible to get close to tubes with solid state so why aren't their any seperates (preamp/power amp) out their that really sound like tubes?
briweve
123 posts
 
My first suggestion is a Pass Aleph 3($1100) and my second would be a YBA.
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