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Is there a SS amp that can offer tube bliss?

I currently own a tube system and love the sound. But honestly I'm not sure if I have the proper disposition for this tube thing. I cannot stand the constant worry over tube wear, looking around for NOS tubes, and wondering if maybe...just maybe my system will sound better if I spend still more money on different tubes. I would love to find a SS amp that will give me what my tube gear does and rid me of the worry about maintenance and the discontent inherent in tube upgrading. I've heard the Clayton M100s are wonderful and offer a "tube" sound. Any other SS amps to replace tubes? Any advice is most welcome.
Thank you.
samwise
beavis
272 posts
 
I'm with Brooks, I think comparison is getting closer all the time. If a more "tubey" soundung SS amp desired, I'd suggest looking at a manufacurer that makes tube & SS gear (like C-J). They seem to voice SS amps to sound more "tubey."
hollytone22
23 posts
 
Try an older Classe' amp they are nice sounding amps that will give you a tube sound with out the worry.I used to have all tubes but like you I found myself listening to the equipment and not the music.I have enough headaches at work when I come home I just want to listen to the music.Now don't you tube people slam me but I know how this guy feels.
timchen
93 posts
 
I second Bombaywalla opinion. Everytime after I went for a concert, I always enjoy listening to my symphphonic Line over and over at home, they reproduce reality at home. SL does produce SOUL, very well said, Bombaywalla.
psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
Choice of amps depends more on the speaker. My speakers really need a good SS amp to drive them. The amps I use have a midrange to die for and people think they're tube amps (except for the bass):

Marantz Ma-5 Esotec monoblocs ( 30W class A ).

Also the Forté amps are really good. I have one also.

A great amp is a great amp: tube, SS, hybrid or digital.
sean
6,231 posts
 
What do tube amps sound like? I've heard Cary's, i've heard Audio Research and i've heard Atma-sphere's, etc.... All are tube amps but they sound NOTHING alike. Each has their own merits and run tubes, but classifying them together as sounding the same would make me think that someone was either deaf or there was one helluva "bottleneck" in the system somewhere. Sean
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