Mid-fi tube vs high-end SS
Hello everyone. I am new here but not new to audio. I’ve been meaning to buy a high-end permanent SS amp for 2 years now. But not sure how much improvement I can get.
A little about what I have. I use a high-quality tube amp I bought for around $1,500. 55 watts per channel Class A. With upgraded tubes it’s a little over $2,000. The amp I have is the Musical Paradise mp-501 I’ll link below. Using upgraded Kt-170 tubes along with some nos 5693 red tubes and 717-a tubes.
My audio knowledge and listen ability has improved substantially these past few years thanks partly to this tube amp. Sorry for the long-winded intro. My actual question is, how much improvement should I expect going from this tube amp to something high-end SS like the Gato 150 and the incredible DVA M225? Very little reviews on the Gatos, I’m hoping I could get some help here, even anything about the Gato 150 from users would be helpful. Ty
https://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=59&product_id=55
One manufacturer I can recommend is Ayre. I own both Atmasphere and Ayre, and both sound very close to one another.-With the Ayre being a bit 'tighter' especially in the bass. If you have been getting by with 55wpc, then an AX-7e would probably do the trick.-And, very available used. I would also consider the Belles Aria Integrated. bob |
@jaytor You had some very solid points. To answer your question, the main reason I'm wanting to buy a permanent SS amp is for its convenient. Tubes are getting real expensive to maintain and I want a SS for movies and gaming for my usage as well. I was curious to know the kinds of improvements I can get by dropping 4 grand into a new amp. Atm I'm quite happy with the sound of my tubes on all aspects, except for dynamics, but still the dynamics are good enough.
@knotscott I don't know much about tubes but I've put a significant amount of time into some other tubes I should buy and that tubes I've been meaning to buy is the Tesla ef806s. Thank you. |
OP. some great recommendations here. I have a Qualiton X200 and there is zero lack of dynamics in this tube integrated, however is more $$$$. I do have a few SS integrated in my home and as of late I have been listening a lot to my Heed Elixir a 45W SS Class A integrated and I use while working in my office. For $1395.00 with its transcap technology it it sounds very tubey for a SS IA. I could live with this little thing, and it has an outstanding headphone section (better than the X200) and a MM Phone Pre (Heed Quasar). Built like a tank. |
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Audition some likely SS and tube contenders and see what 'improvement' you hear. @akg_ca Agree your advice to OP. |
