2. amps-preamps
  3. 136176-7301

Low Watt Solid State Amp

I am a tube guy.  Have been for the last 20 years.  I have various tube amps that I rotate depending on my mood.  More recently, I have had the urge to add a solid state amp to the rotation.  Looking for something clean, detailed, natural sounding that is in the neighborhood of 20 to 50 watts.  I use a deHavilland Ultraverve 3 preamp with relatively high efficiency Tonian Lab speakers.  Firstwatt comes to mind but is higher than I want to spend right now.  Budget is about $1,000.  Looking for a diamond in the rough kinda piece.  For example, one of the tube amps that puts a smile on my face every time I plug it in is my Dynaco ST-35 -- not a huge investment, but just always sounds right.  Any ideas are much appreciated.  Thanks
gotog
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,655 posts
 

Luxman Class A amps can find some really nice used ones. Acuphase used maybe again Class A, older Pass Alpha series maybe in that price range. few that come to mind.

I had a Luxman L560 in my system and it was very nice. you can find L550's and L540's ( same amps basically) here in North America.

gotog OP
128 posts
 
Thanks again for all the good information
sbayne's avatar
sbayne
493 posts
 
Check-out the new Vision SET 120 by Van Alstine. He is known for his high-value well designed amps. This is a low power solid state single ended amp. Price is $899. 

Link: https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/vision-set-120-power-amplifier
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The Van Sistine Vision SET 120 amplifier seems like a well thought out straightforward design.  60 watts class A/B with apparent high bias although not specified how many watts in pure class A. Certainly could be a fine sounding amplifier but it isn't  ep a pureclass A circuit. 
Charles 
eldonparet's avatar
eldonparet
26 posts
 
You mean Van Alstine.
I heard the SET at Axpona and it sounds great.






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