Tubelike SS Power amp

I've used TAD Hibachi SS monos with Ohm 100s and found that they mate nicely. There is a touch of extra warmth from the TADs that flatters my Ohms, which -IMHO- can be the SLIGHTEST bit lean sounding (ala Quads). When I added subs to the equation, that tiny tonal tic was eliminated and a warm amp became less appropriate.

I now mostly use my ARC VT130SE in this set-up. This isn't the "tubiest" sounding tube amp out there, by any means. I still prefer the ARC, but - to the extent that you prize the imaging characteristcs of tubes - you should be aware that this difference is not dramatic on the Ohms. That "3D" tube image quality is IMHO less evident with the omni-directional Ohms than with most monopolar speakers. The Ohms' imaging has been similar (GREAT!) with all amps I've mated to it.

Marty

Monarchy mono amps.SOME OF THE BEST SOUND FOR THE BUCK.My se 100s are 100 at 8 ohms,200 at 4 ohms.driving a vintage pair of Magnepan mg-3.power to spare.Will drive 2 ohm loads with fan forced cooling.

I'm currently using an Audio Horizons tube line stage.I moved from ss amps to tube power in 2003,and since then have owned several tube amps.Personally I believe it's a natural progression in pursuit of excellence,like 90 point wine.Every once in a while I slip back into the ss camp,and lately Class D(I had a weak moment)simply because I wanted to see if I'm missing anything.Not at all.

As some have suggested SS amps TRYING to sound like tube amps are a mess....example McCormack !! They knowingly distort sound towards a flavor which is artificial. It is like drinking canned juice.

Regarding Tube amps Vs Tube Preamps, I have heard and read various philosophies on this subject.

Some purist designers say Tube should be avoided as much as possible in equipments handling low level signals such as source and as much as possible, preamps. This is because the distortion tube causes harms the low level signal the most. So tube power amps is the best bet according to them.

Then there are designers who strongly suggest against use of tubes in the power supply. Again the purpose is to avoid distortion yet retaining the tube magic.

The most popular breed is of course people who use a full tube equipment. Such equipments are either too sweet or too expensive in general. Exceptions might exist.

However there is no such rule/formula on the implementation of a tube equipment to achieve the magical tube sound, each designer has a vision and obviously a limitation of knowledge as how he close he can get to his dream sound.

The issue I seem to be picking up with the responses here is the varying ideas of what "tube sound" is. Perhaps the current trend of tube amp designers aiming for a more neutral sound, which encompasses SS traits, is what brings about much confusion.
Contemporary tube amps no longer possess the classic "tube sound", yet many would be none the wiser. As a result they will be adamant that particularly voiced SS amps possess tube-like magic. Looks like the industry is making a concerted effort to please both camps and, as a result, SET or OTL tube amp experienced users are left in limbo in threads like these.