2. amps-preamps
  3. 1226898011

Which is the most tubelike solid state amp around

Being a tube person who is trying to put together an active loudspeaker setup , I have come across the problem of choosing the best driver for the midrange and upper bass i.e.80Hz to 2.5 KHz. I would like to try a panel such as a Magnapan but am told that they are rather power hungry. Therefore, I would be grateful if fellow Audiogoners could share your experience in relation to the best powerful SS amps that would not be out of place in a "tube-ophile's" system.
Thanks
ecka
phd
1,307 posts
 
Tvad, I agree, there is no such thing as a solid state amp that sounds like tubes but there are a handful of solid state amps that are less offensive. Can you tell me if you have come across an ss amp that sounds like a tube amp, if so I would love to hear about it.
phd
1,307 posts
 
Personally I will never own a tube amp, tube preamps are the exception. The idea that they are wearing out as soon as they are powered up I find unacptable. If I had ten of the best tube amps ever made I would be more than happy to sell each and everyone of them to the first taker. Solid state has improved to such a degree that there is no need to look at alternatives. I just want to find the best tube preamp & ss amp that work well together
jeffjazz
114 posts
 
Agree on the Stratos statement had one. The CJ SS amps tend toward tube warmth.
Post removed 
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
tvad, you make a good point regarding the concept of "tube" sound.

perhaps we could be more specific about what we are looking for, using nouns, rather than adjectives.

if one is looking for a solid state amp having specific sonic attributes, why not state what the adjectives may be rather than use an ambiguous adjective ?

while i would own several tube amplifiers, i have heard several solid state amplifiers. i object to the upper midrange/treble response . i think it is odd order harmonic distortion. i'm not sure exactly what is the cause, but unless there is a change in design, i find solid state amps and panel speakersa not synergistic.
More to discover