What are your thoughts on hybrid amplifiers?

A hybrid amp with a tube front end and solid state output stage is a good idea if you want to get some tube sound somewhere in your system but don't want to mess with the hassle of a tubed output stage. Theoretically, using tubes for voltage gain on the input stage(s) and semiconductors for current gain on the output stage, is the best application for both, although it doesn't always result in the best sound. As another poster above put it, if your speakers are not too difficult a load, you will most likely keep some aspects of the tube sound (warmth, fullness, dimensionality of the soundstage and instruments, liquidity) and some of solid-state sound (quickness, detail, bandwidth, bass impact). I myself have a tubed phono stage and preamp with a SS power amp, and I seem to get some of both. Although these days the line between tubed and solid-state equipment is becoming more blurred. I had Conrad-Johnson and Audio Research tube gear using 6H30 input and driver tubes with advanced output transformers that resulted in a more neutral sound, which to my ears is preferable to the traditional slow and warm tube sound and bright and flat solid-state sound once the norm.

I own the Van Alstine FetValve Ultra amp. Tube input stage, SS output stage. It is a killer amp, combining the beauty and HF extension of tubes with the control and articulation of SS. Yes, it can be done, and in this case done very very well. I've had other all SS and all tube amps in my system over the years; this one is winner take all.

Is anyone familiar with Pathos hybrid amps?. I haven't heard them (no local dealers), but they have gotten great reviews, and man they certainly look good. Italian chic.

I wrote a review of my Counterpoint NPMs here
http://www.high-endaudio.com/RECENT.html
Scroll down or search NPM on that page.

My point is that hybrid amps can sound almost
as good as the best tube amps out there but it all
depends on the design and parts used.

Whether the Pathos is mostly a looker vs. a performer
is a different story.

The old Blue Circle BC-28 had outstanding tonality with quite a bit of power. Rarely seen for sale, with good reason.