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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
c_avila1
185 posts
 
How bad is tube rush from your listening positions with 300B SET amps?

This thread made me interested in auditioning a small 300B SET amp for a near field desktop system where high power isn't necessary. It might not be a good idea with high tube noise. 
thieliste's avatar
thieliste
824 posts
 
Only Robert Koda Takumi K-160 can beat just about any tube amps in existence.
davkobza
78 posts
 
Perhaps with time invested in Pass Labs XA-25, First Watt SIT-3 you would come to see their beautiful strengths like I have experienced. That said, I love BOTH worlds so I have a Luxman switcher for when I want this or that... 
mglik OP
911 posts
 
Well, now I have been enjoying my Atma-Sphere M-60s for a few months. They are destination amps. Right away, I deeply knew that I would never go back to SETs! The Atmas have the sweet, natural sound of SET 300bs with the detail of a great SS amp.
The SET was wonderful but it really had a warm and lovely sound that covered up much of the music. I love the metaphor of the “ Sonics screwdriver loosening the sound”. Yes, I do miss the beautiful tone of the SET but any day would choose the accuracy of the Atmas.
Interesting that I grabbed a Bakoon HA-01 headphone amp from US Audio Mart for $725. (kind of happy that they seem to now be a formidable competitor to Audiogon) It should come next week.
Very curious to hear how it compares to my current HA, David Berning’s prototype of his great MICROZOTL. I believe the Bakoon will be a different kind of sound. Seems it may be a new take on SS performance. I will have it on trial. Let’s see if I keep it.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Mike, obviously we are in agreement on the M-60's.  They are also my destination amps.  I have no interest in looking elsewhere.  I also agree that when everything else is right, or close to it, the M-60's deliver the best of all worlds.  Sweetness, resolution, and enough power to drive most reasonably efficient speakers that are north of 8 Ohms.  It is all there.   It was a bit different for me however, in that they revealed some rather serious issues with my room and other pieces in my system.  It took not a small effort for me to get everything else dialed in.   That would be a caution I would issue to any one trying these amps.   Others probably won't know right away, as you did, what these amps could deliver. 
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