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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
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.
shredder's avatar
shredder
93 posts
 
Thanks Tvad. Any thoughts on how it compares to the Modwright KWA150 and/or Spectron Musician? Very different designs, I know, but I have read similar descriptions of the sound (best of tube and ss).
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.
shredder's avatar
shredder
93 posts
 
It is intriguing.

I have heard the VAC 300.1 and it may be the best amp I have ever heard. I certainly understand that the Moscode mid-range doesn't compare to the VAC's, but how big is the difference? Were you able to narrow the gap through tube rolloing?
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.
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