Solid state amp that tube fan can be happy with?


For a few reasons I'd like to replace my EL34 mono blocks with a stereo SS amp producing 100-250 watts at 8 ohms.  Also with at least 40K input impedance since I'll keep my tube line stage.

No local dealers to audition candidates.

Thanks

pryso

Solid state amps that sounds like tubes...  May I suggest this: 

Parroting the caption in the picture, these finned beasts resembling the Borg's spaceship from Star Trek, these really have that warmth and glow from within sound that tube gear posses.  Be sure to use a tree-trunk thick power cord on this amp so it sounds its best; I use a pair of Shunyata Anaconda Zitron HC power cords.  These cords gives the amp some oomph, a bit snappier bass, and better transient pop.  

Those Aleph 1.2s are not the newest amps on the block.  For something a bit newer, may I suggest this: 

This is Nelson Pass's previous generation of Class A amps in the XA-200.5.  These were succeeded by the ".8" generation of amps.  These ".5" amps have greater midrange warmth.  That was traded in the ".8" amps for improved air, better higher frequency response, and overall just a bit more resolving.  I have both sets of amps - the 1.2s and 200.5s..  

Lastly, I'm going to do a shameless plug form myself...  I also have very nice pair of XA-100.5 amps.  As for why I have 2 sets of XA amps, when Mark @ Reno Hifi was retiring and getting out of the audio retail game, he was selling his personal pair of XA-200.5 amps.  On complete impulse, I bought his 150 lb room heaters when I already had the XA-100.5s doing regular hifi and room heating duties.  

To all, have a prosperous and a Happy New Year!

 

The Atma-Sphere Class D amps are superb and maybe the best deal in Audio.

Ralph’s tube amps are also great but, for relatively little money, his Ds are as good if not better. I replaced also excellent AGD amps. The Atmas are better with much tighter, better bass. 

For me, it was my Musical Fidelity A1-2008 class A SS integrated (in HT mode) comparing with my Transcendent Sound T8-LN 25 wpc OTL amp.

The OTL wins in some ways, the Class A wins in other ways

I was pleasantly surprised (amazed?) at how great the Class A sounds in comparison to the OTL tube amp.

I don't like solid state but at the recent Capital Audio Fest I heard Mytek's newest flagship monoblocks, the Empire Ganfet, and it was seriously good. Most solid sate, regardless of price, set me off but these I would have in my home.