2. amps-preamps
  3. 1259983056

SS Amp to replace VAC 300.1 in a side-ways move?

I've owned several very nice high-end solid state amplifiers. But, nothing has given me the same musical enjoyment as my VAC-300.1, which is a tube design.

I may be making some changes in my home, in which a tube amp will no longer be very practical.

Now being so hooked on that VAC tube "magic," I am concerned that I just will not be as satisfied, if I go back to a solid state amp.

I am not necessarily looking for a big list of SS amp recommendations to check out. More specifically, I am looking to hear from folks who have gone from the 300.1 (or similar class of tube amp, VTL, etc) to a solid state amp, AND BEEN HAPPY WITH THEIR SS SELECTION, over the long-haul.

Is there a solid state power amp that truely has the magic of a tube amplifier?

Thanks.
barrelchief
barrelchief OP
294 posts
 
Great input guys-thanks!

I just came out of a 2+ hour session in my listening room and I have to confess that getting rid of my 300.1 will be a last resort decision, for sure.

Damn, I love that amplifier!

The dog learned to "take care of business" outside. Maybe she'll learn to stay away from the amp too.
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mtdking
157 posts
 
Having owned both the 300.1 and Lamm Ref 1.2 and ML1 I can tell you the Ref 2.1 would be my last choice. Both the 300.1 and the ML1 are much better then the Ref 1.2. I think the Ref 1.2 are underpowered and just didn't sound right. Both the 300.1 and the ML1 are very natural and very powerful given there ratings. 300.1 has a lot of gain so preamp matching is important.

Don't sell the tube amp if you can help it....
bstefano
14 posts
 
I hope I am not to late to jump on this thread. After owning tons, I mean tons of amps, I just purchased a VAC 300.1. All I can say is I have finally found hat I was looking for. I get plenty of bass slam with the glory of tubes but no darkness. I am gushing. Yes $18,000 for an amp is up there but just AWESOME. Thinking about getting another one to run them mono.Running with a REF 5
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
Bstefano- The addition of a 2nd 300.1 in my system took it to a level far beyond what I had expected. My system really came "alive". Don't put the 2nd amp in unless you are prepared to keep it, because you will!!
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