Solid-state Class A: Didn’t do it for me
Push-pull SS/Tube: Didn’t do it for me
Class D: (Nords) or Benchmark AHB2: Didn’t do it for me entirely, but definitely an improvement over many PP/SS amps and the very best get closer to a SET in some ways, a viable alternative if your speakers are inefficient or you have a very large room that dictates the necessity for more power than you can get from a SET in your price range.
High quality SET Tube Amplifier with the right Speakers:
Creates a real emotional event that’s dynamic with startling jump factor even at lower volume levels.
Palpability in the midrange and vocal region that can leap out and you think the vocals are simply there in the room with you (startling at times), micro dynamics cues and subtle delays are rendered so well you’re enveloped by a surround sound hologram of the venue using only 2 speakers, tonal textures in instruments that are to die for. A liquidity, and effortless playback that blossoms naturally with no fatigue.
I’m utterly biased in these comments, but nothing connected me emotionally to music more than a well executed SET amplifier and the right speakers.
With EML 300bxls or Elrog 300b at 8 watts the DIs play very loud and lack nothing in the bass region. It doesn’t run out of steam or soft clip and the OPT never over-saturate. If I switch the amp to higher voltage and increase the autobias circuit to 110ma the additional 7 watts from the 300BXL is nice to have at 100db+ playback levels, but it’s overkill, otherwise.
Push-pull SS/Tube: Didn’t do it for me
Class D: (Nords) or Benchmark AHB2: Didn’t do it for me entirely, but definitely an improvement over many PP/SS amps and the very best get closer to a SET in some ways, a viable alternative if your speakers are inefficient or you have a very large room that dictates the necessity for more power than you can get from a SET in your price range.
High quality SET Tube Amplifier with the right Speakers:
Creates a real emotional event that’s dynamic with startling jump factor even at lower volume levels.
Palpability in the midrange and vocal region that can leap out and you think the vocals are simply there in the room with you (startling at times), micro dynamics cues and subtle delays are rendered so well you’re enveloped by a surround sound hologram of the venue using only 2 speakers, tonal textures in instruments that are to die for. A liquidity, and effortless playback that blossoms naturally with no fatigue.
I’m utterly biased in these comments, but nothing connected me emotionally to music more than a well executed SET amplifier and the right speakers.
With EML 300bxls or Elrog 300b at 8 watts the DIs play very loud and lack nothing in the bass region. It doesn’t run out of steam or soft clip and the OPT never over-saturate. If I switch the amp to higher voltage and increase the autobias circuit to 110ma the additional 7 watts from the 300BXL is nice to have at 100db+ playback levels, but it’s overkill, otherwise.