Best SS amps with sound similar to tube amps

There are some SS or hybrid amps that sounds similar to the tube amps, cost not object, and power equal or more than 100W. Thanks

emigene11-12-2006 5:13pm

...
42 posts total
View entire discussion

heli_dog Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 45 posts 11-14-2006 at 07:42am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Blue Circle BC202 Hybrid Stereo Amplifier . Blue Circle
cenline Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 238 posts 11-14-2006 at 06:42pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete The Karan has been compared to the Darteel at a fraction of the cost ( HI FI+ review)and has a huge damping factor.This damping factor allows the amp too control the speaker with an iron fist.The KAS 180 has 180 watts and is dual mono design.These amps have a first class build quality that pictures fail to convey ( they are built like a proverbial brick house.Take care Dennis
rlawry Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 477 posts 11-14-2006 at 07:53pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have two Essence amps, which to me, sound more like tube amps than any other solid state amps I have heard. They have an immediacy, midrange clarity, and soundstage dimensionality of better tube amps, but not syrupy, slow, and warm like early tube amps. Of course they have a lot more speed and detail, better bass and dynamic range. The only thing I have never heard a SS amp do as well as tubed amps is in dimensionality of instruments and voices.
sheffb Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 64 posts 11-14-2006 at 11:15pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Gamut Mk.3. ss amps rival some very good tube amps. They are particularly highly regarded in Europe. I believe their secret is using single large mosfet switching output devices which gives them single voicing much like a SET tube amp. I haved used a Gamut Mk.3. for 2 1/2 years with a deHavilland Mercury set tube preamp with very accurate, natural, musical results. Several excellent reviews are out there.
oldeenglish Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3 posts 11-15-2006 at 12:55am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete While I am still wet behind the ears when it comes to this new passion of mine I feel like I should chime in here. I just bought a PS Audio GCA 250 solid state amp with level 2 and level 3+ mods and I think it's about as close as you can come to tubes with SS, but more importantly why not use both? I have a tube phono stage from YS Audio (Audio Excellence Concerto PLUS) and a Woo Audio II tube pre. I love the warm, rich texture from tubes but wanted the heart of the system to have the reliability AND the dynamic bass response of solid state and I must say... it sounds pretty damn tubular! Also look at the Pass/First Watt Aleph J if you have high efficiency speakers. A good friend has one and it is incredible. Good luck.

42 posts total
View entire discussion

More to discover