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Is solid state on the brink of extinction?

I am curious how many out there, like me, that have come to the conclusion the age of solid state, and perhaps tube gear, is closing.

In freeing needed cash from my high end audio recently, I was forced to look for a less expensive alternative. To my surprise, the alternative turned out to be an unexpected bonus.

I have notoriously inefficient speakers. I was sure I would have to sell them once I sold off my large solid state blocks.

Going on a tip from another amp killer speaker owner, I bought an Acoustic Reality eAR 2 MKII Class D amp. This tiny amp caused a revolution in sound benefits over my ss mono blocks.

My speakers gained in speed, depth, control, detail, range, clarity, and dynamics.

It didn't stop there. I also sold my front end, and bought a very cheap programmable digital DVD. It also proved to be better that my old disc player. My playback gained in detail, separation, depth, bass control, bass extension, and treble extension. The mids are just plain natural. Reverberation decay occurs evenly and naturally.

Has anyone else had a similar experience of moving from solid state or tubes to digital? What do you see as the future for solid state component producers? What of tube amps?
muralman1
muralman1 OP
1,527 posts
 
Eldartford, you are right. The simplicity and quality afforded by evolving modules ensures cheap thrills. Where were you, when you listened to the well appointed Scintilla? I know that reviewer Ken Kessler, in England, has a pair opitimally set up.

You are also right about the goose bump factor attainable through many avenues. Last week, I listened to Vandersteen 5 speakers fronted by top vinyl and tube gear, and it was very fine. That was a $70,000 system.

I went home to my digital module driven speakers and listened to even better transparency, and bass definition - for far, far less. (I want that turn table gear, though) :-D
khrys
446 posts
 
Muralman, your boundless enthusiasm for your amps has me wanting ot explore Class D further. What I've heard in stores has not impressed me so I'm trying to set up some home auditions. I can get my hands on a Spectron Musician II but where do I find the eARs? Is it true they are only sold "factory-direct"?
muralman1 OP
1,527 posts
 
True, they are only sold direct. I think it is a poor marketing ploy. This new module wave is in it's infancy. Acoustic Reality had the only ICE powered amp for two years. With proper manufacturing, and a good market strategy, they could have made a killing. Now, more ICE powered amp companies are on the horizon.
rgcards
39 posts
 
This post is somewhat off the topic so I apologize in advance. I also apologize for my general state of ignorance on this subject but nevertheless...Astonoshingly I recently heard one of the best musical reproductions I have ever experienced at the Bang and Olefsun store in the form of the Beocord 5. This a powered speaker system, but my understanding is that the amps are digital, and that the module that controls the amps is the ICE, which is in fact desogned and manufactured by Band O. Now I have never enjoyed B and O products , and the source used for this system seemed to be designed solely for visual impact, but this was really an amazing sound. The system is 15k but it sounds as if Khrys might be able to afford that kind of price tag. I would listen to them, I would certainly be interested in the reactions of people with "high end"systems to these products. Unfortunately B and O seem to have eschewed the "high value" market for their own application of their technology, but than again I believe there is other proprietary tachnology in these things. I Really was surprised. This could be an excellent showcase of this technology
muralman1 OP
1,527 posts
 
Rgcards, your post is right on target. There is going to be a rush for manufacturers to try to get on to the feeding chain. I feel like I am watching a Jiffy Pop pan, and the first kernels have popped. You know what happens next.

The ICE module is perfect for the slim style consciousness of B&O.
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