2. amps-preamps
  3. 1218725643

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
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
There are two integrateds that come to my mind where I just forgot thinking about their design fundamentals (SS or Tube) - those are Gryphon an Acoustic Plan.

I was more listening to music than the amp itself.
sandman012 OP
50 posts
 
Well, I'm going to take a chance on the Unison Unico again. I'll assume that there was something wrong with the last one. Without haveing a hifi shop near to audition pieces, I'm going to stick with what I know for now. At some point in the future when I have the time and money, I'll pick up one of the SS integrateds mentioned here and do a direct comparison myself. (Thinking Primare, Plinius, Jungson)

I just can't get that luscious sound from the Unico out of my mind, and I like the hybrid approach of getting some of that tube magic without the maintenance, etc. I'm sure its not the last word in detail and upper/lower extension, but it definitely made nice sounding music. Unfortunately (or fortunately given my proclivity for indecision) there aren't many hybrids that retail for $2k and under.

Now I have to figure out speakers for them. I had Totem Arros and liked the sound (especially their imaging capabilities), but I need a little more oomph, as I do listen to rock and orchetral music. My friend's Epos M5's (with modest Creek integreated) moved more air than the Arros!!

So I am thinking of going for a bookshelf/monitor with good bass extension (as good as bookshelves get at least), and adding a subwoofer at some point if needed.

Any suggestions for the Unico for ~$1k used?
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I had a pair of Totem Mani-2s and Tabu as well - both delivered good bass response but at the expense of sounding a little meshy - I drove both of them with a Gryphon Tabu and later with a Rowland 2.

Good luck
More to discover