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"Tube Like" SS Integrated Amps

I'm looking for opinions on SS integrated amps that are often described as having a "smooth" or "tube-like" sound. Examples I've heard described this way are Audio Refinement Complete Alpha, Music Hall Mambo and Rega Mira. I'm looking at amps that cost no more than $800 used. There are far too many choices, especially if you include the Chinese made tube integrateds.

Do these amps represent a good compromise at the price point between SS harshness and tube flabbiness? Would a hybrid integrated typically do the tube sound better? The Jolida 1301, as cheap as it is, seems to consistently get high marks. I wonder what at this price point does the most right (and least wrong)?

meskandar
liguy
228 posts
 
You may be able to find a used Pass Labs Aleph 3 for $800. The Aleph 3 is one of the the most tube like sounding solid state amplifiers ever.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Portal Panache (designed by Nelson Pass). My 400xi Krell, Naim, MF...alot of great choices. Choose from local sources so you can demo them at home.
sterritt
2 posts
 
I second Bnrlaw's recommendation of the ECI-3. Like the Electrocompaniet separates I've owned, it produces the most tubelike sound I've heard from an SS, and is easily the best partner I've found for my Merlin TSMs.
vlad1456's avatar
vlad1456
20 posts
 
My vote goes to the Audio Analogue Puccini.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
how different is the sound of a tube integrated from a "tube-like" ss integrated ?

if they sound different how reliable is the designation "tube-like", when applied to a ss integrated amp ?

for years i have searched for a "tube-like" ss amp. while i have not auditioned evrything, those ss amps i have auditioned do not sound "tube-like" at all.

there are many attributes of tube amps. the term "tube-like" should be defined to include attributes of tube amps. then again, there is the modern tube sound and the classic tube sound. it is useful to be more precise in the use of the term "tube-like" .
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