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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

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jerryg123's avatar
jerryg123
3,429 posts
 

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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clearthinker's avatar
clearthinker
1,582 posts
 

Audition some likely SS and tube contenders and see what 'improvement' you hear.

@akg_ca   Agree your advice to OP.

charles7
112 posts
 

I don't know the Van Alstine DVA 225, but my system uses his Transcendence 10RB preamp into a FirstWatt F8 (by Pass). With compatible speakers, the sound is musical (not "artificial") but not colored one way or the other.

It made me a believer in a good tube preamp but leave the power work to solid state. Nelson Pass uses FET transistors in his designs.

 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,031 posts
 

Do your Philharmonic BMR speakers have any association with Salk?

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