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SS Amp to replace VAC 300.1 in a side-ways move?

I've owned several very nice high-end solid state amplifiers. But, nothing has given me the same musical enjoyment as my VAC-300.1, which is a tube design.

I may be making some changes in my home, in which a tube amp will no longer be very practical.

Now being so hooked on that VAC tube "magic," I am concerned that I just will not be as satisfied, if I go back to a solid state amp.

I am not necessarily looking for a big list of SS amp recommendations to check out. More specifically, I am looking to hear from folks who have gone from the 300.1 (or similar class of tube amp, VTL, etc) to a solid state amp, AND BEEN HAPPY WITH THEIR SS SELECTION, over the long-haul.

Is there a solid state power amp that truely has the magic of a tube amplifier?

Thanks.
barrelchief

Showing 7 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I have heard no SS amp that has the same same sound as a top shelf, dialed-in VAC amp. However, there are SS options that offer qualities similar to tube amps, while also offering additional benefits (bass control and extension for example). Several of those SS options have already been mentioned.

IMO, you will not find an apples-to-apples amplifier. There will be differences. It'll be up to you whether the differences are deal makers or deal breakers.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
To offer some perspective about how people choose differently, Grannyring and Bobheinatz have owned the same model SS amplifier, yet their decisions are opposite.

I'm going to toss another amp into the mix, and one that replaced my VAC Phi 110/110 due to its superior bass reproduction in my system: Moscode 401HR. There is a new Moscode model now. The Moscode retains much of the benefits of a tube amp, while adding the benefits of solid state.

It can be auditioned with a home trial.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Barrelchief, one of the best systems I ever assembled was with a VAC Phi 110/110. As I mentioned earlier, I replaced the VAC with a Moscode 401HR, and areas of the system improved enough for me to keep the Mocode, but other areas suffered...the three dimensional VAC midrange for one.

IMO, you will be hard pressed to replace the VAC 300.1 if you are as enthralled with it as you seem to be.

The grass isn't always greener...just a different shade of green.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
05-11-10: Shredder
Tvad, I know this is a tad late and off-topic, but how do you like the Moscode?
Shredder, when I owned the Moscode, I loved it. It provided a terrific blend of tube clarity and imaging with solid state control of the bass.

I sold it because I sold the speakers it drove. Had I not changed speakers, I'd probably still have it.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
05-11-10: Shredder
Thanks Tvad. Any thoughts on how it compares to the Modwright KWA150 and/or Spectron Musician?
No idea, but only the Moscode offers the flexibility of changing the sonic flavor by tube rolling.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The Moscode's midrange does not approach the VAC midrange. The advantage the Moscode has is in the bass control and tonal balance. The mids are excellent, but not to the level of the VAC.

The performance of the Moscode in my system was good enough in relation to the VAC Phi 110/110 that I chose the Moscode because of the areas of improvement the Moscode brought to my system. However, I always recognized that I was missing the midrange magic of the VAC amp.

If you want VAC mids, then go with a VAC.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The problem with the 150wpc VAC 300.1 and the 90dB sensitive Aerial 9 speakers becomes running out of power during dynamic peaks *if* you listen at levels that approach live.

For example, the VAC 300.1 will run out of steam at about 111dB peaks (measured 1 meter from the drivers).

So, if you listen at around 84dB measured from your listen seat, then you will have enough power for 105dB peaks.

Use this as a guide and determine if it will be sufficient based on your room and listening preferences.

I have a small to medium sized room and I listen at about 8 feet from the drivers. I often listen at nominal levels above 90dB, so the VAC 300.1 with Aerial 9 speakers may not quite get the job done to suit me.
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