HELP: I need a solid state amp with a tube sound

I have a Conrad Johnson Premier 11a tube amp and find it to be trouble free and low maintenance. However, from what I gather, CJ Solid state amps are somewhat tubey sounding. should you need the higher wattage and want to go the SS route, they can be found for $900-1300 on Audiogon.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but no ss amp sounds like tubes. If you want the best that tubes have to offer, then get a great tube amp. There are some very good ss amps, but they don't sound like tubes. The best ss has to offer tends to be at prices that equal or far exceed the price of great tube gear. Stne418 is absolutely correct. I've had far more problems with ss amps over the years than tube amps. Besides, "tube rolling" can allow you to easily mix and match to better accommodate other new additions to your system. Any ss amps out there that can offer the same flexibility? Great tubes and great ss can provide years of enjoyment, but don't kid yourself. They do sound different.

You should check out a Blue Circle BC24 - brand new for $2245 on the 'gon. It is a hybrid design; tube input stage (two 6922 tubes total) and SS output. You get warmth and whump. Hard to beat for the money. Happy hunting.

Jctubes,I agree and disagree. I own the YBA Passion Integre. For my ears, this integrated is very sweet, tubelike, and offers the best that ss can deliver. Yes, it's definitely not a tube, but, eyes closed with some great jazz--you can be fooled that you're in tubeland. It's a beauty. Have a listen, and trust your ears. I have listened to a lot of integrateds, and for my money, the Passion is the best out there. Ok, the Tenor is probably better, but I can't say anything first hand, because I haven't given it a listen,......peace

Sorry my fellow audiophools. I leapt before looking. I didn't see the price limitations. You could go with the YBA Integre DT model. Less tube like than the Passion, but still sweet and 50 killer, punching watts. I sold mine,(after 7 years) to move up to the Passion. good hunting...