HELP: I need a solid state amp with a tube sound

I've owned conrad johnson tube amps for 14 years...and so has my brother-in-law...other than retubing and replacing the on-off switch...no hassles. My formerly owned solid state amps from Hafler and Carver went to the shop more frequently (once each). I also currently own Bryston ... never has broken and has a 20 year warranty. So...are you sure SS amps are less hassle? This has NOT been my experience to date though I'm sure others disagree. Retubing is relatively epensive, but accounts for less than .2 % (.002) of our gross income every third year. We spend more on going to the movies than on new tubes. Lord knows I literally get more useage (time) out of the tubes than the theaters. The c-j s are easy to bias also. I understand Audio Research and VTL are similarly easy to live with. I've also heard good things about Quicksiver tube products and Sonic Frontiers regarding ease of use and lack of problems.

The Pass Aleph 30 that Brunhilde speaks of was the replacement for the much revered Aleph 3 which was touted to have a tube like presentation. Both these amps can be found used in the $900-1300 range.

HI for the money the Aoia pst 13.01 will have you listening to music all night.If you listen to female vocals you will look no further..Full body dimensionality.I have wrapped my arms around Patricia Barber.

I have a Conrad Johnson Premier 11a tube amp and find it to be trouble free and low maintenance. However, from what I gather, CJ Solid state amps are somewhat tubey sounding. should you need the higher wattage and want to go the SS route, they can be found for $900-1300 on Audiogon.

Not to rain on anyone's parade, but no ss amp sounds like tubes. If you want the best that tubes have to offer, then get a great tube amp. There are some very good ss amps, but they don't sound like tubes. The best ss has to offer tends to be at prices that equal or far exceed the price of great tube gear. Stne418 is absolutely correct. I've had far more problems with ss amps over the years than tube amps. Besides, "tube rolling" can allow you to easily mix and match to better accommodate other new additions to your system. Any ss amps out there that can offer the same flexibility? Great tubes and great ss can provide years of enjoyment, but don't kid yourself. They do sound different.