TUBE AMP LOVERS - What SS amp makes you smile???

Spectral does it for me. However it must be a complete system. I have enjoyed full tube system for decades until I finally broke down and did the whole Spectral/ MIT system. Really enjoy it, especially with analog.

That's very interesting, Carey1110.

I never had the pleasure of hearing an all-Spectral system. However, I did once own a Spectral preamp and my memory of it was anything but "tube like."

Thanks for your input and emphasizing that it needs to be a Spectral system, throughout.

That's very interesting, Carey1110.

This clearly demonstrates buy what sounds best and not getting hung up tube vs SS. All amps sound different!

Audio Research VTM120 monoblocks to Mark Levinson 23.5 amps. The 23.5s are wonderful amps that to this day will still beat most new ss amps out there. Still repairable (believe it or not) and are really nice.

But, I recently lost my mind and purchased two Audio Research REF 250 amps. I've been listening to these amps for about two years at my favorite store and without a doubt, they are the best amps I've ever heard. This is not a solid state vs tube debate. I've not heard for the money tube amps that beat the Mark Levinson 23.5. Still to this day, one of the best Mark levinson amps.

However, I just consider the REF 250 amps to be the best I've heard. Just great sound and design. And like I said, I lost my mind.

But, I am smiling.

For my speakers, I need lots of power and dynamic head room. Martin Logan Monolith III even with the Krell KBX balanced crossovers, this speaker needs power.

So, the AR REF 250 on the upper panels of the speakers and my second 23.5 on the bass drivers. Wow!!!!

enjoy