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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
annika
27 posts
 
@rh67. I look forward to the compare and contrast of the LTA and Supratek with the XA25 once you have it all settled. 
rh67
307 posts
 
@annika I`m excited to get the Supratek and pair it with the XA25.
roberttdid
534 posts
 
There is really little to no evidence for this statement, and considering the lobotomy most speakers do to phase-shift, it is hard to justify some extra margin from the amplifier destroying sound-stage. Sound-stage is based on volume (not phase dependent), ear to ear timing cues (also not phase dependent as long as shift is same for both speakers). That also primarily happens much less than 20KHz.


I don't think I have ever read any experiment that shows the ability to differentiate anything but quite significant phase shifts.


If you really want to get the soundstage right, the amp needs to have minimal phase shift in the audio regions so it will need bandwidth past 80KHz. Most larger SETs simply can't do that!

lewinskih01
909 posts
 
@rh67
That is helpful,  thank you!
In my context it seems the SIT3 might be the better choice. I'm assembling a 4-way active system and this amp would drive the midrange (300-1800Hz), so the added bass presence from the XA25 wouldn't be developing. Would you agree?
However I drive the amps directly from a SS DAC, so if a SET had enough power it would likely be the preference. 

Good food for thought.
Thank you!
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@atmasphere Ralph, thanks for your response to and explanation of my question. For example, one ’higher power output single tube’ amp has Bandwidth listed as 10Hz through 60kHz. Based on what you shared earlier, how much of an impact would you expect minimal phase shift ’issues’ to have on overall sound quality? I did make note of your recommended "best range being 2Hz through 80kHz."

I realize all amps will have trade offs based on design and choices made with respect their build.

Those who disagree with Ralph... are you saying the above is not something I should be concerned about with respect higher output single tube SET amps?

Thank you.
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