Best SS amps with sound similar to tube amps

11-17-06: Dgad
Any good Mosfet amp will get close.

While I don't know for certain, I suspect many of the suggested amps in this thread have a commonality in MOSFET output stages.

Try listening to a Rowland model 8 with the choke supply if you can. IMHO it is the closest to tubes without the worry of where in the life of the tube you are and no concern with heat warming up your room in the summer.( Or winter here in S.Calif...:0)

The Lavardin IT or IS reference, or as Cenline says, Karan. They are respectively the only 2 SS designs 2 UK Tube amp distributors I know of, will stock. The only brand with the clarity and speed of good modern tube designs. I use the Lavardin and would love to swap it for a karan K180, if I could only find one 2nd hand. I don't think the Karan is better, just a few more Watts for my new speakers.

Conrad Johnson Premier 350. This company won't produce a solid state amp until it sounds tube-like. Absolute agreement with Czbbcl on this.

I have stated several times that the cary 500s sound very similar to the cary slam 100s that I replaced them with. I have had them for almost a year now and are very happy with them. Full rich sound and no tubes to worry about.