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Which is the most tubelike solid state amp around

Being a tube person who is trying to put together an active loudspeaker setup , I have come across the problem of choosing the best driver for the midrange and upper bass i.e.80Hz to 2.5 KHz. I would like to try a panel such as a Magnapan but am told that they are rather power hungry. Therefore, I would be grateful if fellow Audiogoners could share your experience in relation to the best powerful SS amps that would not be out of place in a "tube-ophile's" system.
Thanks
ecka
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
the idea that a solid state amp could sound "tube like" obscures the intrinsic sonic signature(s) of both tube and solid state amplifiers.

its like saying what apple is like an orange.

amplifiers can be recommended which are not offensive but regardless of the sound of an amplifier, it does not have the sonic signature of classic tube amplifiers.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The Odyssey Stratos sounds nothing like tubes, IMO.

I owned Stratos Extreme monoblocks.
phd
1,008 posts
 
Tvad, I agree, there is no such thing as a solid state amp that sounds like tubes but there are a handful of solid state amps that are less offensive. Can you tell me if you have come across an ss amp that sounds like a tube amp, if so I would love to hear about it.
phd
1,008 posts
 
Personally I will never own a tube amp, tube preamps are the exception. The idea that they are wearing out as soon as they are powered up I find unacptable. If I had ten of the best tube amps ever made I would be more than happy to sell each and everyone of them to the first taker. Solid state has improved to such a degree that there is no need to look at alternatives. I just want to find the best tube preamp & ss amp that work well together
jeffjazz
95 posts
 
Agree on the Stratos statement had one. The CJ SS amps tend toward tube warmth.
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