TRL Dude Dilemna

I think you guys are missing the larger point here (one that is actually pertinent to the OP and cannot be sidestepped by bland philosopical posturing): SS amplification can and does achieve the "purity" and "thereness" of a SET. Gary/Glory has experienced it (Art Audio>Audionote>Atmasphere>Tenor>ASR). I have. SS (I include tube hybrids) amps now exist which produce little to no mechanical edge, no hi frequency fizz, 3D soundstaging and midrange palpability. There is lots to choose from depending on your budget, including Symphonic, Burmester, ASR, Ypsilon, Tenor, TRL, Neodio, Dhartzeel, Sovereign, just to name a few.

Grannyring, I presume this has been your experience as well....

Hi Agear,
I don`t believe any point is being missed at all. The fact of the matter is ultimately each person will choose what thy think is best(within their means).Glory,you and many others find complete satisfaction with SS amplifiers, perfectly understood.

Some other listeners like me have heard many SS amps but simply realize that certain tube amps just have unique qualities that in our opinion elude SS amps(others would dispute this of course) it really is personal.

I`ve heard the elite class of SS amps for example Dartzeel,Vitus,Solution,MBL,Tidal,Technical Brain etc. If I had to choose a SS amp the Dartzeel would likely be it. Yet none of these ultra SS amps do what my SET amp does at the same level(sense of uncanny presence,realism and tone). But hey that`s just one man`s impression,that`s all. There are many who would select any of those SS amps rather than mine, but again not me. I`d never tell someone my ears are better so my choice is right and yours is wrong, makes no sense.

Agear you could hear my system and perhaps not like it much, understood completely. My only point is a simple fact, we all hear differetly and and react emotionally to what our ear-brain axis processes, Thus class D amp for that guy,Otl,SET, or Class A or AB SS for that guy over there, like I said what ever pleases you most.
Best Regards,

Charles1dad well said.

"That "purity" and "thereness" you mention is very hard for most other types(non SET) of amplifiers to achieve, at lease when compared to the better built SETs."

Charles, you make a statement like that and provide directional counsel to Tellefsen, and then revert to sonic relativism. What SS amps have you heard in your own system in recent history? Audio shows are relatively worthless in educating our sensibilities.

I have spent the last three months doing extensive A+B testing of three different amps, including a SET, and have come to my own conclusions which I will share at a later date in a more appropriate setting.

Tellefsen (Norwegian I presume), you obviously have an itch. Let us know where is takes you.

Hi,
Agear now it seem as though you`re missing the 'point', In my quote above I was quite clear to say 'most' and not 'all'. You have spent 3 months evaluating amps in your system and have drawn certain conclusions. I`ve spent many years listening to various types of amps and have also formed conclusions based on observations, just like you or anyone else.
There`s no resorting to "sonic relativism" as you put it, in terms of 'coping out', but merely to state the obvious,there is no absolute when it comes to audio.
Your observations and subsequent decisions they lead to are no better or worse than mine, they`re simply yours.

There`s no need(or point) is debating SET vs SS atributes as it will depend on who`s doing the listening-judging(how else can it be?).
I understand that show conditions are`nt ideal, yet somehow many rooms/components manage to sound good and sometimes even great! They are setup by those who know their components best. Of course I have`nt heard many of these amps in my system and never will(just impractical).

Tellefsen I`m sure took what I wrote as one person`s opinion, the same as all the other contributors to this fun thread he started.
The best SS amp i`ve had in my system was Symphonic Line(German) it was very very good. My Frankenstein MKII 300b SET is a superior amplifier for ny needs and desires. You and others could/would feel differently, what is the big deal.

Agear if you find SS amps ideal for your needs then that`s the direction to go.You can do all the extensive A/B testing you want but at the end of the day they`re just 'your' results. I really don`t understand the need to prove one amp catagory is equal to or better than another. Come on man , it is and will always be subjective thus relative when all is said and done.
Regards,