2. amps-preamps
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Tubes/SS Power Amps?


I've only heard, auditioned, listened to top of the line tube amps; consequently, I don't know squat about top of the line SS power amps. My problem is "heat". If the SS gets hot, I might as well have tubes.

Reviews that I've read on top of the line SS amps, always mention the heat. Rather than have a SS furnace in my listening room, I'll go with tubes. By the way, I don't think there's much difference between tubes and SS amps when you have a tube pre; especially top of the line. I'm searching for an amp in the vicinity of 100 watts per channel with balanced inputs, preferably mono blocks. Cool running SS is what I'm looking for. Can you help?
orpheus10
lenny_zwik
259 posts
 
See if you can audition Ayre MX-Rs paired with a Nagra PL-L or Jazz and then form your own opinion.
pryso
1,932 posts
 
Orpheus, let me address a specific brand you mentioned - Herron.

I've attended the CES in Vegas for at least 15 years, although not the past two. Through that time I developed a very high regard for Keith's products since his room always impressed me as one of the most musical and enjoyable at any given year's show. Previously he utilized other name brand speakers but more recently he brought a prototype pair of his own design.

While not wanting to enter the debate on how much a tube preamp/line stage can influence the sound, I will say his line stage was tube based while his amps were SS monoblocs. The result was musical, without edge or distortion, dynamic, and could be listened to for extended periods without any fatigue.

Given your objectives, I wouldn't make a purchase without auditioning Herron.
timlub
2,040 posts
 
I don't think that too many would disagree that through time as equipment has improved, there is less of a line between the very best tubes vs ss. I'm sure we have all heard terrific systems from both camps. I have heard great systems with all kinds of variations. As Tim suggested above (Noble100). I would chime in to say that very good class D amps, as mentioned or if on a tighter budget the new m amps from wired would be terrific with a good tubed pre amp. I am also fond of the newer Coda amps with a good tubed pre, I've heard very musical combinations there.
Good Luck,
Tim
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
04-15-13: Timlub
I am also fond of the newer Coda amps with a good tubed pre, I've heard very musical combinations there.

I am fond of the older Coda amps with a good tubed preamp. :)
shakedown
135 posts
 
LOL...Jmc...I think the same....I have a mixed system...for about 3-6 months (winter) I use my Modwright 9.0 tube pre into my B&K 200..Summer listening goes to my Coda CSi Integrated that gives me the sweetness as well...Happy with my Coda and Tube/SS combo for the seasons..Coda throws off some heat but not as much as two units combined.
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