2. amps-preamps
  3. 157848-11588

Is there a Solid State amp that can satisfy a SET guy?

Have been a SET guy for so long I have forgotten what a good SS amp even sounds like.
Just bought a pair of $33k speakers that will replace my current $16k speakers. Both are from the same designer and both are 92db and a flat 8 ohms. The new ones arrive in 4 days!
My 300B based amps well drive my current speakers even though I do use the system nightly as a 2 channel home theater. Especially considering the HT usage, I think I may enjoy a SS amp with many times the horsepower. The speaker designer suggests using a Leema Hydra II. I have written to Leema telling them of my 300B preference and they assure me that their amp does not have the destructive harmonics that make a SS amp bright. There must be other SS amps that can satisfy?
mglik
mglik OP
914 posts
 
I also have thought about looking for a pair of Dehavilland Aires mono blocks with 845s. They talk about how well the can handle even lower sensitivity than my 92 dB Tetras. But I tried a really good 845 based amp, the Viva Solista, and did not like it. BTW-if the Leema sounds very SS, what does that actually mean?
I am sure that there are many good things about SS... ?
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@mglik  I can think of two. What is your budget for the Solid State amp?
mglik OP
914 posts
 
If so many people love and live with their SS systems...?
mglik OP
914 posts
 
My budget for an amp is below $10kish. I have a First Watt M2 and it is nice but I miss the 300B sound. Can’t stand the “linear” sound.
I love it “juicy”.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
If your budget is around 10K , then your best bet is LM 805(5K) and 3k$ for tube rolling.

You never know until you try!

It will be better to find dealer of Line Magnetic near you so that you can audition it at your home.

It will work well with your speaker of 92db/W with enough headroom.


Thomas
More to discover