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Affordable SS that sound like Tubes

I was a 100% vinyl guy for many years. Due to maintenance cost and aggravation I switched to DSD after a lot of research and I have no regrets.

 

I am looking for suggestions on affordable SS that sounds as good as Tubes. 

 

Here's the rub. My Mid Monos were less than $2,000 brand new and they sound incredible. As does my Pre that costed me less than $1,000.

Integrated suggestions are welcomed.

And I would like to hear from people that had fine tube equipment and switched to fine SS equipment.

And please, no mention of "Tubes have Higher Distortion." LOL

T

128x128tonydennison
gramophone_canada
50 posts
 

Here is a modern company who understands great tube products and has a number of interesting solutions:   https://www.canor-audio.com/reviews

wolf_garcia
6,726 posts
 

Is a Pass XA-25 affordable? I use one alternated (mood swings) with a tube amp. Also, Sansui amps were at best mediocre back in the day, and compared to even the least expensive integrated these days a comparison is laughable.

tonydennison's avatar
tonydennison OP
409 posts
 

Pass XA-25 is certainly affordable, but I can't it tops what I have. It is quite extraordinary especially with my heresy's. 

I would suspect it is as you say to Sansui.

coachpoconnor's avatar
coachpoconnor
380 posts
 

@tonydennison - I have an xA25, but think the First watt sit 3, with a tube front end sounds the best with my Cornwall lV’s.

mickeyb
585 posts
 

Look into a hybrid integrated amp. The cayin h80a is class A, dual mono and has 2 pre amp tubes. Very well built, sounds great and could be had in the 2k range used. Tube rolling is east because you only have the 2 pre amp tubes to roll and you can experiment all you want. 
 

Good luck! 

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