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Low Watt Solid State Amp

I am a tube guy.  Have been for the last 20 years.  I have various tube amps that I rotate depending on my mood.  More recently, I have had the urge to add a solid state amp to the rotation.  Looking for something clean, detailed, natural sounding that is in the neighborhood of 20 to 50 watts.  I use a deHavilland Ultraverve 3 preamp with relatively high efficiency Tonian Lab speakers.  Firstwatt comes to mind but is higher than I want to spend right now.  Budget is about $1,000.  Looking for a diamond in the rough kinda piece.  For example, one of the tube amps that puts a smile on my face every time I plug it in is my Dynaco ST-35 -- not a huge investment, but just always sounds right.  Any ideas are much appreciated.  Thanks
gotog
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
6,996 posts
 
Last summer a generous audiogon member loaned me his D.I.Y. Nelson Pass  S.I.T. (push pull version 35 watts) amplifier.  It was well broken -in and I used it for about 4 weeks. It was one of the best sounding solid state amplifiers I've ever heard. 
Charles 
lcherepkai
126 posts
 
Gainclones/chip amps are another fine option.  I had the Audiosector integrated and the transparency & detail were strong points.  I later bought a DIY gainclone here on A'gon and it was even better.  There are several available presently, here and on the Audiomarts and Ebay and most are way below your $$ limit. 
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
This is stating the obvious but for a $1K budget you’re better off looking for a high(er) power SS amplifier even if you don’t need the power. The newer low power SS amplifiers, except older/vintage receivers, tend to be almost all class A and hard to find in that budget.
simon
51 posts
 
You may want to take a look at the Teddy Pardo ST-60. Great little amp and excellent build.
adaug's avatar
adaug
7 posts
 
to those who have used the monarchy sm-70, does it run hot?

thanks -andre
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