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Solid State Power Amps That Sound Most Like Tubes?

A close friend, and audio enthusiast who followed my path to tubed audio bliss has run into a situation (long story) due to which he needs to move to solid state. He has enlisted my help in putting together a list of the most likely candidates to consider.

I could use your help, expertise and experience in identifying which power amplifiers would best satisfy a former tube lover.

I've read many, many reviews, and it would seem that several of the First Watt amps (the J2) the Plinius SA 101, the Edge M8M, and certain others might work well, but honestly, I've never heard any of them, and know only what I've read. What do you recommend based on actual listening experience?

His budget is roughly $2750, give or take, and that would be considering a used purchase to maximize his purchasing power.

Part of his system mirrors mine. He is using Silverline 17.5 speakers. Which, based on personal experience can be well powered by my 18 wpc SET amp (granted my room is quite small), but tube watts are = to significantly more than solid state watts, and I'm concerned that the First Watts would be a bit light in the power category.

His musical listening tends toward rock, as well as a lot of female singers and jazz. His listening room is medium to medium large sized.

I would appreciate any help with this. I've searched a large number of threads here but most are somewhat out of date.
nightfall
manoterror
216 posts
 
@Danielk141: I spend winters in AZ, and I've been to the dealer you are talking about...the Tempe and Scottsdale locations. Actually really nice folks. Listened to everything you can imagine, including the $250k MBLs. Stop in and I think you will be surprised at how friendly they are. Go to the Scottsdale location...thats where the really good speakers are.

Of course the guys at Audio Video Choices in downtown Phoenix are still my go-to guys. :-)
danielk141
489 posts
 
Manoterror,

You may be right. They do have Magico, but they floor the M5. I want to here the Mini II.
My BAT is on the consignment shelf at Audio Video Choices...
manoterror
216 posts
 
Danielk141,

Ha! I've probably seen your BAT there. I love that place. :-)

We went up to your friend Bill's shop last winter to find it closed. Very sad to see all the independent places closing up shop.

My buddy Bill and I will surely go to the scottsdale location at least once this winter if you wanna join us. We love to audition speakers, and they have some big-time speakers for sure.

Mot
argyro
438 posts
 
Sovereign Amps!
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
here's a thought. there are capacitors which can alter the frequency response, or at least alter the tonal balance, perhaps emphazing the lower frequencies and reducing the presence of treble frequencies.

replacing caps in the signal path with mundorf gold/oil or audio note copper/oil
after selecting a "decent solid state amp", even if that solid state amp is not "tube like" in the classic sense may solve your problem.

you may be able to get by with an odyssey khartago, from Klaus, at about $800 and replace caps.

as has been said, a solid state amp probably won't sound like most tube amps.

considering that i am a current owner of two tube amps, looking for a solid state amp, my criterion for a ss amp is one which is well balanced, and reasonably full-bodied, without having to sound like a tube amp in a blind test.

you might want to look at the latest issue of the absolute sound. there are a few inexpensive amps recommended. try to listen to them, or pick one and consider cap replacement. yes, i know, reviews are what they are, but if you replace some key parts you may be able to alter the sound resulting in an acceptable amp.
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