2. amps-preamps
  3. 136176-7301

Low Watt Solid State Amp

I am a tube guy.  Have been for the last 20 years.  I have various tube amps that I rotate depending on my mood.  More recently, I have had the urge to add a solid state amp to the rotation.  Looking for something clean, detailed, natural sounding that is in the neighborhood of 20 to 50 watts.  I use a deHavilland Ultraverve 3 preamp with relatively high efficiency Tonian Lab speakers.  Firstwatt comes to mind but is higher than I want to spend right now.  Budget is about $1,000.  Looking for a diamond in the rough kinda piece.  For example, one of the tube amps that puts a smile on my face every time I plug it in is my Dynaco ST-35 -- not a huge investment, but just always sounds right.  Any ideas are much appreciated.  Thanks
gotog
timlub
2,040 posts
 
First Watt is certainly what you'll hear... you might want to take a look at DIY Audio, they have First watt kits that you can build, some are very good..
If you like Pass,  Here is a Chinese clone from a guy in the US that tried it, he is taking offers. 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PASS-A3-30W-Class-A-Audio-Power-Amplifier/282976139172?_trkparms=aid%3D2220...


charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
High quality lower power class A transistor amplifiers that come to mind ,
Valvet Audio 
First Watt
Pass Labs XA 25
These will unfortunately exceed the 1K  budget (even ised).

Timlub"s suggestion of DIY kit is likely to be the most viable route.
Charles 
trelja
3,223 posts
 
The Dynaco ST35 beats so many amplifiers, sonically.

Less easy to find these days, but the Bedini 25/25 sounded terrific, and better than most amps before or since.
More to discover