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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
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.
shredder's avatar
shredder
93 posts
 
I own Aerial Model 9s, 90 db sensitive, 4ohms, 4 7" bass drivers. Rep for needing lots of power. Does the 300.1 have enough juice?
coxhaus
231 posts
 
What about the Joule Electra/ Spectron combo. I went from a tube power amp to the Spectron with Vcaps and ByBee filters. I am going on 3 weeks and I am very happy with the change.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The problem with the 150wpc VAC 300.1 and the 90dB sensitive Aerial 9 speakers becomes running out of power during dynamic peaks *if* you listen at levels that approach live.

For example, the VAC 300.1 will run out of steam at about 111dB peaks (measured 1 meter from the drivers).

So, if you listen at around 84dB measured from your listen seat, then you will have enough power for 105dB peaks.

Use this as a guide and determine if it will be sufficient based on your room and listening preferences.

I have a small to medium sized room and I listen at about 8 feet from the drivers. I often listen at nominal levels above 90dB, so the VAC 300.1 with Aerial 9 speakers may not quite get the job done to suit me.
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