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Integrateds: Warm sounding SS vs Hybrid

I have recently had Bryston B60 and Unison Unico amps. They each had their strengths. Overall I liked the Unico better, its more forward, fuller sound and a wider soundstage, due to its tube preamp. However, I wasn't enamored with the tube hiss I was getting, I realize that there might have been a problem with the amp, but I have read about others having this problem. With no music playing, or very quiet passages in classical music, the hiss could be heard from the listening position6-8 feet away.

I have read reviews of some SS amps where their sound is described as "tube-like".

My questions are:

1) Has anyone who had owned tubed gear heard a SS integrated that sounds like tubes?

2) Was my experience with Unison tube hiss likely due to faulty gear/tubes, etc?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
sandman012
vladimir
346 posts
 
Magnum Dynalab MD 208 Receiver, with a great FM tuner as a bonus, or the MD 308 without the tuner.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Music Hall Mambo is in your range.
nolitan
865 posts
 
The accuphase integrateds sounds pretty close to tubes with dynamics and details off a solid state counterpart
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
one will never achieve the classic tube sound, e.g., the conrad johnson mv 45, mv 75 or mv 125, with a solid state device.

if one takes as representative the modern tube sound, which resembles solid state, it may be much easier.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Mrtennis,
I partially agree with you. However, classic tube sound isn't always perfect either. Old Dynacos & Macs lack some of the dynamics of newer gear????
I'm a big fan of class A rated amps to get 90% of the tube warmth with 0% of the hassles.
Yes, I have all of the above running in my systems: 50's Telefunken, 70's Grommes Pentode, 80's Yamaha M series class A, 90's Dynaco by Panor SET, 90's PSE, newer Mac, heavily modded Music Hall.
They all have their good and bad points....overall, I can't decide!
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