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

If you happen to read this far, Merrill Audio Veritas monoblocks are fabulous. They're my summer amps, and Allnic A-5000 monos provide some warmth during the cooler months here in NC. The Allnics are parallel SET 300B'S producing 25wpc. Both are used to drive either my Fleetwood Devilles or my Tannoy Kensingtons, both @ 93db & 8 ohms. 

The Veritas are 400wpc @ 8 ohms, 700wpc @ 4.

I absolutely love both amps. Do they sound identical? Of course not. My Manley Classic 300b SE/PP monoblocks (also two 300b's/monoblock) produce 24wpc, but don't sound as much like the Allnics as the Veritas. The Allnics have slightly more "coherence" to their presentation; the Veritas have a bit more "jump factor" (sound more energized) - which I like too! 

Whether it's the headroom/dynamic range afforded by its higher power rating or Merrill's use of the Hypex modules, I don't know. Ultimately, it's because Merrill designs MUSICAL products. IT'S THE IMPLEMENTATION, STUPID.

Speaking of stupid, the Veritas originally sold for $12K, and I bought a pair about 2 years ago for $3.2K. I created a "problem" with one mono, and sent both back to Merrill to be fixed & "refreshed". Merrill turned them around and two days later they were on their way back, and clothed in all new packaging. He charged me $99, which I think just covered the shipping! Merrill is "one of us"! I'll be hanging onto mine until they pry the remote out of my dead hands! 

 

SS that sounds like tubes:

GaNFET amplifiers, Peachtree may be lowest priced, AGD, Atma-Sphere Class D, etc

FirstWatt- low watt SS amps by amp guru Nelson Pass