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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
1markr
594 posts
 
I’d like to answer the OP’s original question, "Is there a Solid State amp that can satisfy a SET guy?" (as opposed to what many here seem to think was asked, i.e. is there a SS amp that sounds like a SET amp), since I was able to find an answer suited for myself; that is a resounding YES.

I’ve been a SET guy for many, many years (25+), and loved every minute of it. I’ve ran a variety SET amps based on 845s, PX25s, 300bs, VV32bs, 6C33Cs etc. but in an attempt to simplify my system, reduce heat output, and reduce costs (power tube replacements and electricity costs), I have found joy in tubeville using a Pass Labs XA25 amp (which I think has been brought up a few times in this thread).

I have tried numerous SS amps over the years while I ran my SET amps, and none of them really did it form me, until I put the Pass XA25 in the system. Does it sound like a SET amp? NO. Does it satisfy this SET lover and music lover... absolutely YES. Mind you, I have a tubed preamp (Backert Labs Rhumba) and a tubed DAC (Audio Mirror Tubadour III) in front of the XA25, and result is wonderful. YMMV!
russmac8
7 posts
 
Agreed...in case my previous post wasn't clear.
I'm a SET guy who is extremely satisfied with my SS choice.
Although not a tube sound, it is a new, perhaps different, level of enjoyment.


lancelock
1,092 posts
 
My new CODA No.16 sounds pretty close to an SET to my ears.
dmonell84's avatar
dmonell84
1 posts
 
First Watt is great and so is Pass labs. I have a F2 jfet.DMN sound great too. If you could get Dehaviland 845 a they are wonderful Amp kara is great designer. 
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
[interesting thread] as I also am looking for poweramp for high efficient L.S. I do however also need balanced circuit and monoblocks.  Have any of you experience with Grandionote: Demone.

@thastum   I have the Grandinote Genesi Preamp. It is terrific. I expect the Demone monoblocks are as well. Max is wonderful to deal with. Solid state and balanced, that gets the music right.

Prana has a listing and I'd be all over it, if not for the fact that my speakers need a low, low damping factor.

+1 to @rixthetrick 's post.
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