2. amps-preamps
  3. 157848-11588

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 2 responses by lohanimal

lohanimal
659 posts
 
I have heard Leemas quite a few times and they are. not harsh or cold - but they are very solid state.
What are your speakers? the designer must know what he is talking about - they usually do.
I use a Lavardin IT and that truly sounds like a valve in the best sense - but it is 55watts per channel.
If you pick one up second hand a Hovland Radia or the Hovland Monoblocks are very much like a more powerful Lavardin IMHO.
Why not just get a more powerful valve amp such as something from EAR or VTL?
lohanimal
659 posts
 
I know a lot of people speak highly of the dartzeel - but i've never liked them - too much of a golden sheen. I heard them back to back against Lavardin at the UKs' original importer and wasn't blown away.
I've not heard constellation in my own system - but every set up i have heard with a constellation makes me consider saving my pennies - power, grip, effortless, not in the slightest bit cold - just right. Parasound share that DNA - probably coz John Curl worked on them as well. 
I may be courting controversy, but I find Audio Research boring, same with Musical Fidelity - NAim is definitive solid state...
More to discover