I switched out a very good single end 6550 vacuum amp with Valvet mono blocks a few months back. These are also single ended but SS instead of tubes. I'm very pleased with the results. Cleaner highs & solid bass without sacrificing the ever important mid range. The sound stage presentation & detail are better as well. They seem to be built well too. |
Has anyone here heard the Neodio integrateds? I seem to recall a Merlin owner stating it was the best amp they've heard on the VSM's, which makes me guess it's on the fuller side tonally. |
Parasound - esp the JC1's
Levinson |
GryphonEsoteric class-A , Accuphase,, Ensemble. |
Some of the new brands I have heard are Lavardin and SPEC.
But the stalwarts like CH Precision, Dartzeel's big amps, JRDG, Audio Net and many more will all come down to personal taste and speaker synergy.
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Having used a Pass previously, I thoroughly enjoyed a Jeff Rowland Concentra I for many years. I would recommend it highly, although they are aging now, and my understanding is that the design makes (independent) reconditioning less than friendly. |
Electrocompaniet AW600 NEMO mono, Hegel H20, H30, BAT VK-255SE.
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I agree on Sugden and Aesthetix (hybrid SS Output) is another. |
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Clayton Audio, Vitus, First Watt, and Odyssey, as well as the previously mentioned Pass Labs, BAT, and McCormack.
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Sad to see the McCormack line is no longer manufactured (I've been out of the loop a while) and SMc doesn't make an amp. :(
@dweller I didn't realize BAT made pure SS designs, I assumed they were at least hybrids. TBH I have never been a fan of BAT (tube) sound at shows, but I haven't heard their latest. |
+3 for McCormack.
Especially if you get SMcAudio's upgrades. My new DNA-1 monoblocks are smokin' hot.
B |
Balanced Audio Technology. |
Parasound Halo A21, runs the first 10 watts in Class A and has a full bodied sound. |
Based on limited auditions, I'd add the Chord SPM 1200 Mk. II to this list as well. |
@sufentanil ah yes, McCormack, have heard that one and would concur. Also have heard that about Plinius SA-100 but I hear the newer models are not as juicy? Or perhaps it's the integrateds that are a little cool.
@twoleftears adding Sugden to the list. Class A also reminds me, I've heard Clayton is another good one.
@gsm18439 @gnostalgick have not heard of those, will check them out.
Keep 'em coming! :) |
Another example: original Bryston B60, circa 2000. Listening to it now (with some light mods) and while it isn't the last word in transparency, the lower midrange is really lovely. I haven't heard the newer models but I hear they are leaner-sounding. |
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I am also a fan of Pass when it comes solid state, loved the CJ 2250 and 2250 ss amps when I owned them 10 to 12 years ago and wonder if their new amps would be a good choice as well. Should be easy to get in front of them for an audition.
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Two uncommon suggestions. Ancient Audio and Bakoon.
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Most SS amps that run in Class A. E.g. Sugden, Pass's First Watt, others. |
I'm sure you're going to get many ideas here, but I once listened to a Plinius SA-100 that sounded exactly as you're describing.
Another option might include the McCormack DNA series.
Michael |
Haven't listened myself, but have heard Belles falls in this category. |
