2. amps-preamps
  3. 136176-7301

Low Watt Solid State Amp

I am a tube guy.  Have been for the last 20 years.  I have various tube amps that I rotate depending on my mood.  More recently, I have had the urge to add a solid state amp to the rotation.  Looking for something clean, detailed, natural sounding that is in the neighborhood of 20 to 50 watts.  I use a deHavilland Ultraverve 3 preamp with relatively high efficiency Tonian Lab speakers.  Firstwatt comes to mind but is higher than I want to spend right now.  Budget is about $1,000.  Looking for a diamond in the rough kinda piece.  For example, one of the tube amps that puts a smile on my face every time I plug it in is my Dynaco ST-35 -- not a huge investment, but just always sounds right.  Any ideas are much appreciated.  Thanks
gotog

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi gotog, 
Given your listening levels and the efficiency of the speakers you'll likely remain in the class A range 90 to 95 % of the time.
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Yep, meant Van Alstine, autospell got me again. Amplifiers such as this which employ simple circuits often sound exceptionally good. I was just curious about how much power in class A before if switches to class B for additional power..
Charles
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
The Van Sistine Vision SET 120 amplifier seems like a well thought out straightforward design.  60 watts class A/B with apparent high bias although not specified how many watts in pure class A. Certainly could be a fine sounding amplifier but it isn't  ep a pureclass A circuit. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Last summer a generous audiogon member loaned me his D.I.Y. Nelson Pass  S.I.T. (push pull version 35 watts) amplifier.  It was well broken -in and I used it for about 4 weeks. It was one of the best sounding solid state amplifiers I've ever heard. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
High quality lower power class A transistor amplifiers that come to mind ,
Valvet Audio 
First Watt
Pass Labs XA 25
These will unfortunately exceed the 1K  budget (even ised).

Timlub"s suggestion of DIY kit is likely to be the most viable route.
Charles 
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