Are There Any Good, High Power Solid State Amps?

I would suggest that you push the limits and get a darTZeel NHB-108B. There are two currently for sale on AudiogoN, one for $10K and one for $11K.

If you feel that the darTZeel doesn't have enough power, I would recommend the Clayton M-300. These two, and the Pass XA series, are as close to tube sounding as I've heard from SS. The darTZeel is the best, but it's 100 wpc may not be enough for you. The Pass XA series is very good as well, but the Clayton M-300 will give you more power for less $$$ and sound better than the Pass X seies, IMHO.

Cheers,
John

BTW, Kurt_tank's Lamm reco is a good one too.

02-16-09: Tvad
Long list of suggestions, yet no one knows what the OPs power requirements are based on his speakers' specifications or room size.

That is true Tvad, though we do get a couple of clues from the original post. First, 100 watt tube amp is not enough power. Second, he has heard and enjoys the Pass XA series, but he's afraid he can't get enough power in his price range. So my guess would be that he's looking for 200+ wpc. In which case he should ignore my previous reco of the darTZeel.

I'll stand by my Clayton M-300 reco though. I can't imagine 300 wpc of pure Class A power would not drive his speakers.

John

02-16-09: Philefreak
It's funny to me how Pass's pure class A sounds different from Plinius or Clayton pure class A.

Would it also then be funny how one triode tube amp could sound different from another triode tube amp? How about one turntable sounding different from another turntable? Or maybe one CDP sounding different from another CDP? Etc, etc, etc.

This hobby is filled with funny stuff.

John

Louis1,

I have owned many famous SS amps, including BAT VK-600SE and Clayton M-100, and have heard many others, including Clayton M-300 and Pass XA-160's.

That said, while I agree with Tvad that I don't quite understand the need for that much power, I think the Clayton M-300's or the Pass XA-160's will fit in your price range used, and both will EASILY drive your speakers.
The BAT VK-600SE was very nice, but the Clayton and Pass are better, IMHO.

If you crave the tube sound, you will find a pair of VTL MB 450 series 1 or 2 will fit your price range, and also EASILY drive your speakers.

Happy hunting,

John