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Which is the most tubelike solid state amp around

Being a tube person who is trying to put together an active loudspeaker setup , I have come across the problem of choosing the best driver for the midrange and upper bass i.e.80Hz to 2.5 KHz. I would like to try a panel such as a Magnapan but am told that they are rather power hungry. Therefore, I would be grateful if fellow Audiogoners could share your experience in relation to the best powerful SS amps that would not be out of place in a "tube-ophile's" system.
Thanks
ecka
jax2
3,031 posts
 
Why not stick with tubes? My friend drove his Maggie 20.1's with two pairs of VTL 450's and it sounded better than integrating various SS amps he tried in combination (Parasound, Bryston, Bel Canto). I thought it was an excellent combination and offered adequate power for those huge panels.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
I'm using the TAD Hibachis with MMGs (and a whole bunch of other speakers). These are the warmest sounding ss amps I've had in my system. Silly name, excellent amp, unusual value (last I looked they were +/- $1300/pr 150 to 200W/ch).

Marty
schipo
1,268 posts
 
without spending a fortune why not try a Classe DR-9 amp. I had them and knew others that swore by them. They are built and can be strapped for mono they will drive almost any speaker out there with tube like sound and ss control.
jtwrace's avatar
jtwrace
443 posts
 
clayton audio
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Jtwrace, of course, sells Clayton and his disclosure should have been included.
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