solid state vs tubes--with a twist

Pass or McIntosh.

I have a friend that owned a N.E.W. DCA-33 class A single-ended battery powered solid state amp (boy, that was a mouth full) that is as close as I've heard to a tube sounding solid state amp. He recently bought a N.E.W. DCA-66 amp that has twice the output of the other model, and sold the DCA-33 to me. I have not used it in my system yet, which is ALL tube, but plan on comparing it to my amps sometime when my schedule permits. The amp comes with a battery box that holds four 12v batteries and has a charger built in. The output is 33 watts per side and sounded much more powerful than that on my friends Silverline 90db spl rated speakers. N.E.W.(nirvana electric works) is no longer in business, but you can have it serviced by Cary Audio who had something to do with the original company. I see them come up for sale from time to time for around $400.00, I belive the original price was around $2000.00. If you come across one you should check it out and see if it does as I say.
Good Luck, Tish

I remember the N.E.W., it was quite impressive; and it's the only SS amp that even came close to tubes. I'll buy one if it pops up.

I own a pair of roland model 6 monoblocks as well as audiovalve challanger 180 mono's with 6550c's;the rolands sound very close to these tube amps and I drive 2 pairs of speakers when I rotate the amps;usher rw729's and soundlab m2's with otl mods.

thanks for the feedback, i suspect its a matter of trial and error as to how close i can get , yet realizing i would be able to hear the difference.

i would prefer to search for an amp n current production.

the pass and some mac amps have been touted for their performance.

perhaps there is a small manufacturer who sells direct that may be the answer.

i thought i was going to get close with mike elliot's aria.

however the sensitivity was too high for my passive pre.

he has 2 versions, but recommended the one with 6sn7s, which, unfortunately would not mate well with my passive.

oh well, the search continues.

i don't think i would have a problem getting a hold of mac.

audio research is another possibility.

i heard one of their ss amps driving magnepan 3.6s and the sound was fairly well behaved. i don't remember the model number, as it wasa a ces of about 6 years ago. magnepan was playing sacd discs, using 2 1.6s in the front and 2 3.6s ihn the rear.

then again the cds could have been a factor as well.