"Warm Sounding" Solid State Amplifiers

Hi, also from Canada.

Well, although my recommendation may not be a solid state amp, it is one...almost!

Pathos Logos. It has 100 watts / channel solid state power section with a pair of 6922 tubes in the preamp section.

Call it the beauty and the beast! Wonderfull, sweet sound with no maintenance needed.

I may unfortunately have to sell it soon due to system change and lack of use.

ZD , What do you like about your Ayre amps ? What speakers are you driving ? What preamp do you use ? What Ayre model do you have ?

I second the recommendation for Conrad Johnson solid state amps leaning towards a warmer sound, not to mention they sound superb especially when paired with a good tube preamp. One reviewer questioned as to why buy a Conrad Johnson tube amp when their solid state sounds every bit as good but with more power.

Right now in my main system I have a Wadia 861SE going directly to 2 Ayre V-5's vertically bi-amped driving a pair of Vandersteen Model 2's. AQ IC's and Speaker cables. ESP Essence power cords. And a Furutech e-TP 80. I have other components I sometimes put in the system, but what I just listed is what I use most of the time.

I was in the same quest as a Canadian looking for some warmth in solid state amps. I found a great option in the Parasound Halo line. Gorgeous midrange with amazing vocals and not hot on the top end as so many are. The Halo A21 single handedly turned my Paradigm Signature S6 into a different league.

After I got it I experimented with something for a good preamp. Long story short, I tried the NAD C372 after having purchased the C326BEE for the bedroom. Both are integrateds, but have a pre out for a separate amp. I actually preferred the newer 326, but in the end stayed away from the NAD C165BEE preamp.

I ended up with the Halo P7 and I've never looked back. Parasound is not marketed in Canada though you can find it on canuckaudiomart from time to time.