2. amps-preamps
  3. 962911446

I need tube sound without the tubes

I've been running tubes for awhile and am just about fed up with all the problems that tubes entail. I've spent the past five years putting out fires...sometimes literally. Problem is I love the tube sound. Now, I'm a poor social worker with a taste for caviar and a pocket for tunafish...anyone out there have any recommendations for a great cheap amplifier that sounds sorta tubey. I need at least 75W per channel to run my speakers effectively. Cheap, my doctor and lawyer friends, means around $400. Maybe I'll be able to afford more in my next lifetime. Anybody want to make a donation to charity?
todd_crosby59c4
kacz
177 posts
 
In that price range I think you would be really happy with a decent ADCOM amp. Try the 555 mkII or 5800. They are very smooth and easy on the ears. You can pick one up used for around $400-$500.
surfdog
5 posts
 
Just listed my YBA Audio Refinement Complete integrated a minute ago... Reviews say it is the best ss amp for tube sound (Check out IAR's review, which says it's the best sounding ss amp at any price). I'm not a doctor or a lawyer either... So for you... $650. HAHA! Good Deal!
1953
140 posts
 
A little know secret of the used high end is the Forte 1a, the predessor of the 4a. Outstanding amp for the money. 50 watts per side deeply biased into class A but sounds much more beefy than 50 watts. They go for right around $400-500. The Forte 4a is also a consideration at ~ $700. More open and dynamic than the 1a "very much like a good tube amp" says Robert Harley of Stereophile.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
There are a number of good suggestions above. Let me add one additional possibility: the Musical Fidelity amp. It is British-made, sounds very "tubey", and is available in your price range. New units are sold by Audio Advisors.
iceravendbd3
43 posts
 
It doesn't matter what brandname. Take pains to check it out that you consider to audition those that have pure class A type circuitry. Pure class A designs are typically low in watts (50w) or less because of the way they are biased. For that design the TH distortions are kept to the even harmonics very similar to that of tube's. Check earlier thread on "..how you...class A.." in this same forum. Hope this helps.
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