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
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.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
@Shakedown, I'm running a Cary SLP-98P F1 with a Coda Model 11 amp (100 wpc pure Class A). The 15.0 might be about the closest current offering to the 11.
wolf_garcia
6,704 posts
 
So "heat schmeat" was an insufficient response? And here I was trying to be succinct.
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