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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
ghasley
2,507 posts
 
You should try what the Tetra designer told you, the Leema. I’ve never seen nor heard one but obviously you bought the $33k speakers for a reason. No offense intended but why are you listening to all of us when you evidently trust the designer’s ear enough to spend your cash on his speakers but not enough to take the rest of his advice for the amp he recommends? Why did you upgrade speakers? What amp was being utilized when you demoed the speakers and made the decision?

I happen to have a set amp and a solid state amp and two other tube amps in other systems. None of which feature your speakers so why on earth would you listen to me?
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I’ve been in shows with the Parasound amps and they’re very very good in terms of neutrality and channel separation and overall sound.
austinstereo's avatar
austinstereo
61 posts
 
As a result of being in sales and service of audio gear for a very long time, we have yet to encounter a solid state amp that can match a tube amp in terms of warmth and space.  Just as true, we have yet to encounter a tube amp that has the tautness and attack of a solid state amp.  A push pull tube unit is a bit more of a happy medium between the two extremes.  
nypd26
35 posts
 
I like the B&K St-140 or 202+ for not much cash.
roberttdid
534 posts
 
I thought the LSA statement, a tube-pre/SS output was the best amp you have ever heard and it fits your budget? Bit strange to spend $33K on speakers, but place a fairly hard and low limit on the matching amp.

mglik78 posts11-06-2008 9:33pmBest amp I have heard is the LSA Statement. The tube preamp section can be bypassed. If you are familiar with Winston Ma at FIM, he uses two in mono with his Avalons Sentinels. I am a dealer-we offer full money back and will pay the return shipping. Before Winston used the LSAs he had the Rowland 301s then the Krell Evolutions. Send him an email...

Michael
www.luckymanmediagroup.com
831-423-5523

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