Solid state amp that tube fan can be happy with?

There were many comments above that recommended the PS Audio BHK 300 mono blocks and I had a set and they were terrific.  same for the Coda 16 which is my current amp and is an even better match with my Thiel speakers.  i have not heard the newer Coda amp but it is well priced and probably a "giant Killer".

To @pryso coming from prior EL34 amps and currently running mono block KT120 tube amps, while rotating in my other Jon Soderberg nicely upgraded Pass/Forte' Class A 50w amp, sounds real nice.  I must say I still enjoy both in different ways.  

To take it further - I may sell my tube monos and the 50w Class A SS amp and go for a top shelf higher $ Class A/AB amp to see if I can get SS even closer in my system. Not sure I'll get there fully, yet getting closer to ready to try. I will keep my tube preamp to feed the future SS amplifier whatever that turns out to be as tbd.  .  

I still think tubes still have their own unique sound and some SS amp designers keep trying to emulate some of the lush 3D pleasing tube sound. :) 

Accuphase but they maybe out of your budget. Consider them a long term investment as they are built to last lifetime. 

I replaced a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP with a Pass Labs 250.8 and my ARC 6 pre.  A perfect combination for me that gives the best of both SS and tubes.

Sugden Masterclass IA-4.

33 wpc into 8 ohms.  Pure Class A.

I don't like solid state but at the recent Capital Audio Fest I heard Mytek's newest flagship monoblocks, the Empire Ganfet, and it was seriously good. Most solid sate, regardless of price, set me off but these I would have in my home.

For me, it was my Musical Fidelity A1-2008 class A SS integrated (in HT mode) comparing with my Transcendent Sound T8-LN 25 wpc OTL amp.

The OTL wins in some ways, the Class A wins in other ways

I was pleasantly surprised (amazed?) at how great the Class A sounds in comparison to the OTL tube amp.

Wells Audio may be just what you're looking for.  

The Atma-Sphere Class D amps are superb and maybe the best deal in Audio.

Ralph’s tube amps are also great but, for relatively little money, his Ds are as good if not better. I replaced also excellent AGD amps. The Atmas are better with much tighter, better bass. 

Solid state amps that sounds like tubes...  May I suggest this: 

Parroting the caption in the picture, these finned beasts resembling the Borg's spaceship from Star Trek, these really have that warmth and glow from within sound that tube gear posses.  Be sure to use a tree-trunk thick power cord on this amp so it sounds its best; I use a pair of Shunyata Anaconda Zitron HC power cords.  These cords gives the amp some oomph, a bit snappier bass, and better transient pop.  

Those Aleph 1.2s are not the newest amps on the block.  For something a bit newer, may I suggest this: 

This is Nelson Pass's previous generation of Class A amps in the XA-200.5.  These were succeeded by the ".8" generation of amps.  These ".5" amps have greater midrange warmth.  That was traded in the ".8" amps for improved air, better higher frequency response, and overall just a bit more resolving.  I have both sets of amps - the 1.2s and 200.5s..  

Lastly, I'm going to do a shameless plug form myself...  I also have very nice pair of XA-100.5 amps.  As for why I have 2 sets of XA amps, when Mark @ Reno Hifi was retiring and getting out of the audio retail game, he was selling his personal pair of XA-200.5 amps.  On complete impulse, I bought his 150 lb room heaters when I already had the XA-100.5s doing regular hifi and room heating duties.  

To all, have a prosperous and a Happy New Year!

Agree that Coda should be at the top of your list. The No. 8 Continuum specs meet your criteria and sonic preferences. I have one in my showroom now driving a pair of Sound Lab Majestic 745’s and it is indeed a premium solid state amplifier that manages to convey the best qualities of tubes and solid state. I’d be happy to answer any questions and help you into any of their amps if you don’t have a local dealer. Feel free to PM.

Luxman M-700 Ultra power amp works well with tube pre-amps 

I've been using tubes for over 30 years and recently switched to an SS Grandinote amp. That's when you realize that the best of both worlds are combined in these amplifiers. You soon forget all the talk about the warmth of tubes and the coldness of certain amps. A must-listen despite the high budget.

Many years ago, I worked almost exclusively with a great dealer in Denver who let me audition many different amps.  My favorite (at my price point) was Electrocompaniet.  It sounded much sweeter than some of the other SS amps that had me reaching for the mute button by the end of a CD.

Many years ago, I worked almost exclusively with a great dealer in Denver who let me audition many different amps.  My favorite (at my price point) was Electrocompaniet.  It sounded much sweeter than some of the other SS amps that had me reaching for the mute button by the end of a CD.

Hegel did it for me. I have the H200 and it got me off the SS vs Tube merrygoround. 

Were I looking today my first stop would be Coda. That said, I’m a tube guy (with 5 tube amps) who lives happily with two SS class A amps for variety: a Plinius Sa-103 modded by Ralph Abramo at Plinius Repairs, and a 25 yr old Reference Line Silver Sig modded slightly by Roger Modjeski, may he RIP.

I was also gonna recommend the Atmasphere GaN amp but didn’t as they are monoblocks, but they don’t take up more space than your average stereo amp, and as Ralph mentioned above they can even be stacked.  They offer a generous trial period, and you have to think there’s something to a distinguished tube amp designer being very happy with his GaN amp.  I’d be strongly inclined to at least try them if I was you. 

You have gotten some great suggestions if you are really looking to make the switch to solid state.   I was in the same situation a few years ago and tried Boulder and Pass Labs.  Being a tube lover for over 40+ years I went back to a all tube system and I am enjoying the music more than ever.

As mentioned somewhere above if you love tube sound only tubes will satisfy. 

And my line stage has RCA outputs so prefer not to need adaptors for balanced amp inputs.

I'll repeat, I have reasons for a stereo amp so no mono blocs considered.  Also I don't expect SS to sound just like tubes, but I'd like a bit of sonic warmth and fullness.

I expected some suggestions for Class D but I've never heard one and no local auditions available.  So that would definitely need to be new with return option.

@pryso FWIW Dept: Class D amps don't run warm so you can stack them if you like so the mono or stereo thing isn't so important. Also FWIW our class D has both balanced and single-ended inputs and we allow for a return. The amps seem to take a while to break in; about 450 hours so we allow for a long audition time with them than we do with our tube stuff.

Coda, without hesitation, should be at the top of your list of considerations.

Enjoyed listening to a Bedini 25/25  Also a BEL 1001 going through a Melos 

SHA 1. Older like me thanks

Enjoyed listening to a Bedini 25/25  Also a BEL 1001 going through a Melos 

SHA 1. Older like me thanks

I moved from tube amps to a Modwright KWA 150 Signature Edition. It doesn’t get hot and sounds better than any tube amp that I’ve owned. I still use my Audio Research Reference 5SE preamplifier, which is a tube preamp. You can find great deals used. 

I used a McIntosh MC2250 for years when driving my less efficient JSE Infinite Slope Model IIs and listening at higher volumes than I do these days.

Rated conservatively at 250 wpc, It tested accurate to 305 wpc by McIntosh Lab technician (anybody remember Lab Days at Harvey's, NYC?). They advised me to leave it at full volume and use the preamp volume which I did. It was simply invisible, totally silent brute, did no harm. I have a 3rd meniscus tear in my knee thanks to moving the 80 lb beast from a low shelf while poorly positioned. 

Anything McIntosh, if you don't go for the silly distracting meters, you save a lot of money. 

I replaced my VAC Renaissance 70/70 with a Coda s5.5 and I am very happy. @mulveling  nailed it as far as that tube harmonic distortion that is pleasing to the ears. But I have adjusted and I am very happy with the results. 

Due to the current state of tube availability and prices  I switched to SS.

I ended up with a Coda No. 8 stereo amp. 50K unbalanced input imp. and 10k balanced input imp..Just a terrific amplifier and it can drive a number of different speakers. Not sure its just like a tube amp because there are so many different tube types and design iterations. But I am happy with the choice.  And I thought that couldn't happen.

No conversation about the new EVO 300 Hybrid power amp from PrimaLuna. This should be looked at. 

I auditioned the Van Alstine SET 500. Thought it was a very good sounding amp, but while it was smooth and dynamic, I didn’t think it really sounded like a tube amp .

I would definitely recommend giving CODA a good look. They have several SS amps in that price range that would excel at the characteristics you are looking for. They run cool (for Class A) and CODA amps are fast and articulate, while retaining a smooth, warm sound not typically associated with SS amps. Pass is also a good choice, but CODA is every bit as good, and typically less expensive. CODA doesn't advertise and they are not as well-known as some competitors, but they are extremely well made and offer a great value. 

The CODA 5.5, or maybe a used CODA 8 would be good choices. The CODA 16 is a great amp but would be beyond your stated budget.  

Good Luck

Van Alstine DVA SET 500

I rarely see YBA mentioned here but their amps are designed with tube sound in mind.  I used to work at a stereo shop that carried their products and it was always an easy sell for customers seeking a tube-like sound without the hassle. As a long-time tube owner I personally found them enjoyable and have often been tempted to go that way again. ;-)  They're pretty affordable, too.

Agree with mm1tt77 by enlarge. Pass, Coda. situation at Krell seems unclear right now for service, etc. Would add Ayre to the list to consider.

i have a Pass XA-25 and very happy with it. Would consider to add a tube phono but definitely not replace it with a tube amp as it provides similar sound but without some of the negative aspects.

good luck in your search

This Van Alstine amp is worth a look, and they offer a 30-day trial period.  Best of luck. 
 

https://avahifi.com/products/dva-set-500-stereo-power-amplifier

Purchased mono Merrill Audio Veritas amps earlier this year. They outperform my SMc Audio 225 amp and my Quicksilver V4 monos.

Thanks all.  A few more things @soix ask about I should have included.  For budget I'l like to keep  <$5K, $6K would be tops.  Main reason for new would be trial audition period.  Buying used but new enough not to need parts replacement can save $ but I don't want go through reselling if I'm not satisfied.  And my line stage has RCA outputs so prefer not to need adaptors for balanced amp inputs.

I'll repeat, I have reasons for a stereo amp so no mono blocs considered.  Also I don't expect SS to sound just like tubes, but I'd like a bit of sonic warmth and fullness.

I expected some suggestions for Class D but I've never heard one and no local auditions available.  So that would definitely need to be new with return option.

Janszen recommends the 100-250 power range at 8 ohms.  I've found less than that reduces dynamics and aliveness.

As a semi normal consumer (paranormal?) I can’t carefully listen to boatloads of amps but the two amps I rotate in my gear heap are a 12 or so watt per side Dennis Had tube "SEP," and a Pass XA-25 that actually sound somewhat similar. The Pass amp may not be powerful enough for your tastes but they make plenty of Class A amps that are. Try Uncle Ralph’s (Atmasphere) Class D amps and see if you agree with his utterly unbiased opinion.

I've only owned one tube amplifier (PrimaLuna) so my tube amplifier experience is very limited.  I have generally settled though on SS amps I thought offered some of the tube like qualities I enjoyed.

The amps I've owned that I associate closest to my limited tube listening are:  Classe CA300, Modwright KWA 100SE, Pass XA30.8, AtmaSphere Class D Monos, and Coda S5.5.   Personally I think the AtmaSphere monos are the closest to the tube sound I remember (not counting the super black background and very tight bass they also provide... :)).

Forgot to mention PS Audio, as another poster mentioned, their BHK line does a great job of blending tunes into both the BHK Pre Amp and their stereo and mono BHK amps.  I have the BHK Pre and their stereo design blends allowing the tube stage to bring a tube flavor but isolating some of the negatives tubes can bring to the table with a hybrid design.  Amazing how much fun tube rolling is in the BHK pre, you can hear the differences, influence of the different tubes.  Haven’t heard the BHK Amps but if they are built and designed like the Pre, sure they are winners and would have that blend of Tube qualities along with the foundation SS amps provide.  Good Luck! 

I don't think I could totally remove my tube el34 amp from my system, but the Accuphase preamp and Class A amp that alternates in, gives me a pleasant option. It's a tough one, different, with excellent attributes, but both good in their own way.

Pass, Coda, Krell would be the top 3 SS amps I’d look at.  Accuphase and Luxman would be in the conversation as well but I think they lean a bit more toward outstanding SS amps with a dash of tube sound, qualities while the other top 3 blend the best of SS with the best of Tubeiness (tube magic).  Pass as another poster mentioned designs their amps specifically to behave much like a tube amp, they are the OG of SS amps that bring that tube magic.  Coda is way under the radar and was founded by Pass engineers, their Class A amps are a phenomenal choice, their # 16 amp, end game for what I think you are looking for.  Krell, their XD line sounds more tube like that any SS amp I’ve heard but still has the grunt to get down low and controls speakers unlike any other Amp I’ve tried.  I compared Krell XD amps and they’re integrated to other SS and Tube amps.  There was something special to my ears about the Krell XD amps, sweetness to the sound but while maintaining all the positives of SS but without the negatives.  I’ve never experienced some of the new class D designs but have read some of those can capture what I think Pass, Coda or Krell do.  If you picked Pass, Coda class A amps or Krell XD line of amps, think you’ll be very happy.  

Gold Note PA-10 x 2 run in mono. Ganfets. 

I agree with curiousjim that the PS Audio BHK300 is a hard amp to beat for what you are asking for. 

I agree with @atmasphere here. Get a nice pair of class D GANFET monoblocks like from orchard audio with your tube pre. It works great in my personal experience.

There are a few Hybrid amps out there that have tube inputs and Mosfet outputs.  I have a pair of PS Audio BHK300’s that use 6922’s in the input section.  And there are a lot of 6922 and 7308 tube you can roll and get the sound you like.

All the best.

 I don't own one, but I have read several reviews that imply the Modwright 150 has the warmth of tubes with the punch and control of SS.

The only SS amplifier that I would even consider is the FM Acoustic.  Nothing comes close.

Not likely. Man up and accept whatever is bothering you about tube amps.  I'd replace your EL34 amps with a nice DHT amp.  Aric, Apollo, Decware, etc.

Coda 5.5 Pure class A amplifier 50 wpc 8 ohms , 100 into 4 ohms 

and priced right $6500 retail call Mike audio archon for a fair deal

I’ll say Hegel, close enough for me.  My tube amp is an ARC VSi 75.