I've owned a Plinius SA-102 and an Ayre V1XE, both of which are respectable, decent sounding SS amps. However, neither of them could provide the enjoyment of the better tube amps I've owned from VAC and McIntosh.
"07-19-15: Mikey8811 I am considering Ayre but have heard reports that they sound lean compared to Pass or even the older class A Krells (which are by no means tubey sounding). Friends tell me the midrange is very natural sounding and clear but lacks body. True?"
There's really no way to answer that question. Everyone has different tastes, systems and rooms. At this level you can't rely on others opinions. You'll need to hear it for yourself. I use Ayre in my system and and think it sounds different than what your friends say. There's no right or wrong; just different opinions.
Geoffkait, I personally don't want to buy any swampland in Florida but if you got any beachfront property in Arizona, I'm your taker. Anyhow not all, but some new tube amps sounds like very good solid state. Go figure, but there is some very good solid state amps out there including Conrad Johnson.
I had a Pass 150.5, after experimenting with a Pathos hybrid, which didn't have enough low end for me...The Pass was fantastic, but hot and expensive to run; I am now running a Bel Canto Ref500s which I enjoy tremendously. It's paired up with a Cary tube Pre and that seems to make for a very nice combo.
07-19-15: Geoffkait Sorry to burst anyone's bubble but there is no such thing as a SS amp that sounds like a tube amp. If you believe there is I have some Florida swampland to sell you. It's simply one of those oh, wouldn't that be nice beliefs.
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