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SS amp - which one ???

I've been a tube guy for 20 years now but Im thinking of switching over to a SS amp. Budget is $1500 for a nice used amp. I'd like an amp with tube flavor.
Preamp VTL 2.5, Speakers QUAD 22L2, Velodyne FSR-15,
Jolida JD 100 lvl 1 cd player, Thorens table. I see a Luxman M4000 that I've heard is good even by todays standards. A friend mentioned Belles. I like pop/rock, jazz, and blues. Any suggestions are welcome?
Thanks and remember our military men and women this weekend.
pdspecl
davt's avatar
davt
505 posts
 
I had a belles Ref. 150A for several years, the older model with the better power supply. I have also demo'd the 350A and the MB200 monoblocs. Great amps but not even close to "tube like". Dynamic with great bass and "slam". I wanted tubes but did not want to deal with it in a power amp. I really like the Classe CA-2200, better mids, more air and bloom. A bit sweeter and life like. I can very easily forget the stereo and just listen to music. You may be able to find a used CA-2100 close to your budget. I have not heard older Classe amps.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
I would look at a Parasound Halo a21 in that range.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,601 posts
 
Odyessey, Nelson Pass 3 First Watt(kit),
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pdspecl OP
254 posts
 
Thanks to all for the feedback. Another option I just thought of could be a hybrid amp. The Vincent SP331 seems to have steller reviews (for its price point), good power, good bass, layered mids, and is certainly within my budget. Many years back I had Counterpoint hybrid gear that certainly sounded tube like.
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