an amp without "electronic" sound

when i was ready to go from solid state to tubes 7 years ago i found that i preferred OTL tubed amps as they seemed to have the linearity of solid state while also having the 'breath of life' of tubes. also; they were not rolled off top and bottom. however; OTL's typically need a very easy load to be optimized. for 5 years i used OTL's.

then i heard the solid state darTZeel amplifier. the dart had the naturalness of the OTL; but also better clarity and was more micro-dynamic.....and no tubes.

if you want a non-mechanical sounding amp but not with tube color.....you need to listen to the darTZeel. it sounds like music to me.

I second the Nuforce Ref 9V2SE, or the MCH3SE if you're into HT. Superb!

Mcintosh amps

I'll third the Nuforce SEV2's. No transformer, no tube, just amplification on a stellar level. Still however, to add a little bit more soul, a very good tube pre would be magical..

I'll strongly second the Ayre.