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Is there a Solid State amp that can satisfy a SET guy?

Have been a SET guy for so long I have forgotten what a good SS amp even sounds like.
Just bought a pair of $33k speakers that will replace my current $16k speakers. Both are from the same designer and both are 92db and a flat 8 ohms. The new ones arrive in 4 days!
My 300B based amps well drive my current speakers even though I do use the system nightly as a 2 channel home theater. Especially considering the HT usage, I think I may enjoy a SS amp with many times the horsepower. The speaker designer suggests using a Leema Hydra II. I have written to Leema telling them of my 300B preference and they assure me that their amp does not have the destructive harmonics that make a SS amp bright. There must be other SS amps that can satisfy?
mglik

Showing 1 response by lanvz

lanvz
5 posts
 
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned the Firstwatt SIT-3. IMHO if there’s a SS amp that can approach SET magic, this is it.
I use both SETs and low-power SS amplification in my system and agree with others that one will not sound like the other. However, the SIT-3 is one of a kind because it’s a no-feedback single-ended circuit based on a rare transistor that behaves like a triode tube.
For reference I also own a Mastersound 300B and a Valvet E2 and while I find each one special in their own way, the SIT-3 somehow manages to combine the best of each and I find myself listening to it the most.

Having said that, if you REALLY want to be reminded what a good SS amp can sound like, try listening to one of the Gryphon integrateds. My experience with the “little” Diablo 120 has been ear-opening to say the least.
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