Digital integrated alternatives to SET tube system

@erik_squires I'm a little worried myself.  If I'm making the change, I think I would prefer to give up tubes entirely in the chain.  But I do want to keep my AN speakers.

@maritime51  That's a new one for me.  The research begins. Thanks.

@djones51 That's a nice unit as well, what speakers are you paired up with?

@audiothesis @shkong78 @jond   My mind is pretty much made up that I will be leaving tubes.  I don't mind buying gear and selling if it doesn't work out for me.  Losing a couple bucks here and there for in house "demos" is fine by me. 

I guess deep down I'm ready for a sound change as well. Although I don't want to part with my current speakers.

Thanks for the input.

Hi guys, sorry for the tardiness! I will just address these responses as a whole as responding to each one is quite time consuming. But I very much appreciate all the feedback.

So as of lately, I’m hooked on the Devialets. I have a friend whom I greatly respect his audio opinions who has run one on his AN-E’s in the past. He also came from SET amplification. He’s since moved onto entirely new set ups since but his input on this combo is promising. They are also drop dead sexy, easy to use and cleans up a lot of extra equipment. I also really appreciate the multitude of adjustability with these units (Speaker Active Matching, tone/balance controls, different firmware updates that can change the power levels/sonic characteristics etc) 

A little bit of background on my current system and why I think this combo may in fact work for me. It took me a lot of time, equipment and money to end up with the Audionotes. (I’ve had Spatial M3 TS, Tekton DI’s etc) But now that I’ve found the AN sound, I’m staying put.

@larryi You hit the nail on the head here. I’m thinking the synergy of a SS amplifier may work quite nicely with my speakers. The journey with the AN speakers has been an almost backwards approach to my previous experience. It seems most people are looking to tame down or remove any glare/gloss/edge/bite from their treble response and match up their components/cables accordingly to achieve this.

I have liked what the AN’s have done from day one but have been slowly trying to add back some bite/edge to the treble response. These speakers are highly detailed but a touch smooth on the top end for my liking (My speakers have the silver VC’s and copper wiring)

I have swapped over my interconnects to silver solid core with excellent results. I could still rewire my speakers with silver internally or go with silver speaker wires vs my copper ones. But I’m thinking a SS amp may provide me with the top end I desire. May be a great synergy here.

There are going to be very obvious trade offs and a completely different sonic character. But that’s half the fun. I do also have a JL E110 sub that could come out to play if I feel my bass response is too controlled/thin vs my tubes. The mid range magic will be the biggest adjustment for me I’m sure.

But it will also be a relief to just set it and forget it and stop trying to over analyze and troubleshoot every little sound change with my tubes.

Sorry for rambling!

@mapman Thanks, Bel Canto seems to do no wrong when most people talk about them.

@atmasphere I do have spares but I’ve had poor experiences purchasing tubes over the years already. Had a brand new power tube fail within a month or so. And a NOS Black Treasure flare up and die the first time I plunked it in. With these being matched pairs, it makes it harder to find another spare. I’m also finding the sound just doesn’t seem to be 100% consistent day to day. I’ll sometimes get flutter or static here or there, slightly shifting soundstage or things are good for a week at a time. Now days I’m having a hard time taking off my analytical hat and just being able to enjoy the music. And troubleshooting a pre amp/amp with 11 tubes in the system just doesn’t tickle my fancy any more and as they age it won’t get much better. Would be a different story if I was near a major center or in a circle of tube buddies.

I very much appreciate all the help you guys have given me. I did end up making a deal on a used Devialet 200 yesterday. The price was right and I know someone with first hand experience with this exact set up. He also has experience with low power tubes, hybrids and the Lyngdorf 2170 running his Audionotes. So I can take some comfort that I may yet find happiness. If not, there’s lots of fish in the sea :)

It will definitely take some time to transition out of the sound I’m used to.

Thanks again everyone.

@atmasphere All great tips for any tube users! I am excited to try out the Devialet once I get it home. Although I’m just getting home from work, then leaving the country for two weeks. Oh well, something to play with once I’m home. And I’ve already got my pre and power amp sold!

@cytocycle Very much appreciate the suggestion. I have picked up a Devialet 200 for now. I am curious to see how the silver cables work in the system as the Audionotes tend to lean on the warmer/saturated sound without treble glare. May be a match made in heaven. If not, I've got 3 pairs of Audioquest Mackenzies to swap in for now.

On another note, I couldn’t pass up a deal on a set of new LS50W’s and matching stands for a second system/bedroom. Lots of fun to be had when I get home.