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

I am very much into tube amplifiers, but it seems that they need alot more maintenance than SS amps do. Is there an amp out there that will get a good tube sound, but with low maintenance of an SS amp? I am working on my budget and I will probably spend about 2500 for it. I already have a tube pre-amp that I like, a Zen ZTPRE, and does a good job for my needs.
matchstikman
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,262 posts
 
I own a Plinius SA100 MKIII and it is very nice but it still does not quite match Rogue 120 Magnums in the midrange and I agree with TWL,

there is no such beast
vinyljh
46 posts
 
Just buy tubes! we all know SS sucks!
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
Rowland & Aloia are both good suggestions above.
Surprised that no one has suggested the Ayre V3! Typically recommended as a "tube-like" sound; go to Stereophile's website archives & check out their review of the Ayre V3 - it's amazing. Presently available used for around $1800 or perhaps less, but definitely get one with the Ayre Conditioner power supply upgrade. Sounds much better than any tube product :)
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
Not quite tubes..but musical fidelity...especially in Class A..are very warm and involving...
tubeears
136 posts
 
Another pathway to "tube" euphoria would be to use a Musical Fidelity (Thank's PhaseCorrect !) X-10D between the Pre-amp and amp. They really do turn the sterile, chalky, Surface of the Sun, bleached sound (of Solid State) into a pleasing and listenable event. They are quite cheap as well. Musical Fidelity does not make them any more, but they pop up (on AudiogoN) from time to time (about 150.00). They use two 6DJ8/6922 tubes and they react well to "tube rolling".In a way, this whole topic is a tad moot at the price range that you are trolling in. 2500.00 for a "used" (or NEW) amplifier is a BUNCH of money (for SS or Tube). No matter what "Solid State" amp that you choose, it will have many positive facets in its favor (and should not have many that will disappoint). There are "always" exceptions to this and I'm sure that we (as Audiophools) have "all" had a "bad experience" or two (or nine). There is no "Gospel" in amp buying.
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