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Solid State Power Amps That Sound Most Like Tubes?

A close friend, and audio enthusiast who followed my path to tubed audio bliss has run into a situation (long story) due to which he needs to move to solid state. He has enlisted my help in putting together a list of the most likely candidates to consider.

I could use your help, expertise and experience in identifying which power amplifiers would best satisfy a former tube lover.

I've read many, many reviews, and it would seem that several of the First Watt amps (the J2) the Plinius SA 101, the Edge M8M, and certain others might work well, but honestly, I've never heard any of them, and know only what I've read. What do you recommend based on actual listening experience?

His budget is roughly $2750, give or take, and that would be considering a used purchase to maximize his purchasing power.

Part of his system mirrors mine. He is using Silverline 17.5 speakers. Which, based on personal experience can be well powered by my 18 wpc SET amp (granted my room is quite small), but tube watts are = to significantly more than solid state watts, and I'm concerned that the First Watts would be a bit light in the power category.

His musical listening tends toward rock, as well as a lot of female singers and jazz. His listening room is medium to medium large sized.

I would appreciate any help with this. I've searched a large number of threads here but most are somewhat out of date.
nightfall
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Audiofeil,
Do you disagree with the first part of Stingreen's sentence, "The sound of tubes and the sound of solid state are converging..." , the second part, "...so that the best designs are indistinguishable." or both parts?

As to the second part, I have not heard the best designs of each, so I can't be sure they are indistinguishable to my ears, though I do highly doubt they would be.

As to the first part, I have given it some thought. Though I don't have the experience of many people on Audiogon, I do think, and have read, that the best tube amps are sounding more and more like the real thing and also that the best SS amps are sounding more and more like the real thing. Does it not follow that they are therefore converging in sound, ie, more like the real thing? Assuming that they share the same aim.

I'm not saying they sound alike now or ever will sound alike. How could one possibly know? However, can a case not be made that as both tube and SS amps improve, and by this I mean sound more neutral and less colored and more like real music, that they do sound more alike than they did before? I don't think it is possible to categorically say something like "tubes will never sound like SS." How can one be so sure of the direction of future technology and its progress?

Fire away at my naivete.
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atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
If you have ever see a price/performance curve, then you know that tubes and transistors are both mature technologies.

Barring unseen innovation, your grandchildren will be talking about the same differences. Is 'same differences' an oxymoron?
6550c
393 posts
 
What about the numerous hybird amps(some excellent sounding)- where do they fall in this never ending debate? Does anyone walk into a room and instantly state, "wow, sounds too hybirdie to me !"
danielk141
489 posts
 
Not to confuse the issue, but I'm going to say right now, I've heard tube preamps recently (specifically BAT & VTL) that sound very close to my solid state Pass X1.
MY BAT VK31SE does not sound at all like tube preamps I've heard locally at hi end dealers over the years (most notably conrad johnson).
My BAT equalled my XI everywhere except soundstage width, and bass. I just bought a Pass XP-10 that beats them both.
I sold my X1 & soon I'll sell the BAT.
I'm continually surprised anyone would want tube maintenance issues on a tube piece that sounds so close to solid state.
I am familiar with tubes in my systems. I've owned Dynaco and Cary, and I really liked my Rocket 88 (original version) and my CAD300SEI.
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