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
eaglejo
21 posts
 
My recommenations would be:

First Watt SIT,
Pass .8 series,
Coda

You're never going to get the 300B warmth you're looking for via SS.  If it existed, it would be the most popular amp on the planet.  Another option would be a LIO DHT pre- coupled to wide bandwidth ss amp.  That's probably my next step.  I've owned Shindo Cortese, Berning 300B Siegfried (selling that was the absolute biggest mistake of my audiophile path), Berning ZH270, Kronzilla, Triode Labs 2a3, First Watt J2, and a bunch that I haven't mentioned.

eaglejo
21 posts
 
Pani's recommenations are dead-on and mimic my experiences exactly.  
eaglejo
21 posts
 
The Tom Evans amps might also be an option.  I'm using the Vibe/Pulse as my pre-amp into a Triode Labs 2a3 and then some Rethm speakers.
wolf_garcia
6,708 posts
 
With efficient speakers (99db) my little Dennis Had Firebottle High Output SEP (pentode) has 12 to 17 watts available depending on the power tubes (will work with a lot of options from EL34s to KT150s)...with the 99db 8ohm speakers it never runs out of gas, and is far from "syrupy" or "euphonic" as some describe tubes...simply clean and clear with power and detail for days.
mglik OP
908 posts
 
I have been turned off by owning what should have been a really good sounding amp, the Viva Solista 845 based SET. Yes, it was boring compared to my 300B SET. I sold it quickly and went back to the 300B. I also have owned a good parallel 300B amp. Also, not satisfied. It lost a lot of the “magic”.
The more I listen to my new Tetra 606s pushed by my 300B mono blocks the more I love it. I use them every morning for vinyl and every evening for 2 channel home theater. Last night It was a great submarine movie, “Hunter Killer”. All the explosions in the bass were thrilling as they should be. Was it the ultimate experience as with a high powered SS amp, no. Can I live with it, yes. Especially this morning as I delightfully listen to a gorgeous female voice singing Schubert lieder! Could ANY SS amp give me the same delight, no!
More to discover