switching from Tubes to SS

Hmmm...interesting. I'll try to get my hands on a more exotic tube amp one of these days and see if, for me, it does a better job of creating the illusion of a musical event. -dan

Drubin, I agree with your opinion of the CJ amps. Just because an amp has tubes does not mean it is going to be romantic, sloppy bass, warm, rich with a softing in the treble. I sometimes get the feeling many believe this to be the nature of tubes. I have heard tube based systems that I could not tell if it were tube or SS except for the 3D effect and spatial qualities mentioned by others. The comments and comparisons Jcbtubes talks of were done in my system. There is no way the Pass X350 sounds like tubes. Maybe I should say in my system the Pass could not pass off as a tube sounding amp. If possible take a listen to a whytech, Wavac, Viva or a good OTL. You will soon understand the wonderful world of tubes. You will soon be following the 12 step program of the tubaholic. IMO, if you want to mix SS and tubes (I am not sure why you would) use a tube amp and a SS preamp. Just another misguided opinion. Wish you the best in your hunt for realism.

Brulee, what is in your system, if I may ask?

Hi Drubin, partially due to the events of 9/11 and my companies idiotic practice of hiring hundreds of six figure salary, do nothing VPs (i would love to give the name of this co. and the moron who took over but i am sure they would take away my severence. do i sound bitter?) I no longer have my system. I just shipped off my Coincident Total Eclipse speakers to a very good home. My amps were Viva and the Cary V-12. My preamp was made from scratch by my very talented friend Jcbtubes. Tube pre of course. I got lazy and sold my TT a few years ago. I have the Electrocompianet EMC-1 CDP. JC now has my Viva. Wires are FIM Gold, Coincident Total Ref. and OTA. All PCs are FIM. Mana racks with the wonderful Neaunce boards. I have been fortunate to have a very good friend who owns a highend audio shop. I have been able to borrow everything he sells or comes his way. I have a dedicated room that I will fill up again with some new goodies when times get better. Starting over will be fun. It will be a tube based system. Hopefully starting with some Tenor amps and maybe even getting back into the ol'TT. Although I am not sure if I want to get back into whips and chains. My best to you in your search.

My choice would be either Halcro DM38 (to be released soon) or if you can swing it a pair of Halcro Dm58 monos ...my taste that these are the absoultly the best SS amps.