Solid state amp that tube fan can be happy with?


For a few reasons I'd like to replace my EL34 mono blocks with a stereo SS amp producing 100-250 watts at 8 ohms.  Also with at least 40K input impedance since I'll keep my tube line stage.

No local dealers to audition candidates.

Thanks

pryso

Showing 2 responses by pryso

Thanks all.  A few more things @soix ask about I should have included.  For budget I'l like to keep  <$5K, $6K would be tops.  Main reason for new would be trial audition period.  Buying used but new enough not to need parts replacement can save $ but I don't want go through reselling if I'm not satisfied.  And my line stage has RCA outputs so prefer not to need adaptors for balanced amp inputs.

I'll repeat, I have reasons for a stereo amp so no mono blocs considered.  Also I don't expect SS to sound just like tubes, but I'd like a bit of sonic warmth and fullness.

I expected some suggestions for Class D but I've never heard one and no local auditions available.  So that would definitely need to be new with return option.

Janszen recommends the 100-250 power range at 8 ohms.  I've found less than that reduces dynamics and aliveness.

I appreciate those who made an effort to reply.  I think I have 3-4 candidates to evaluate further.  Yes, including the oft recommended Coda, even while rated below my power range.

However, I wonder why many appear to only read the subject line before replying?  So many suggesting mono blocs when I specified my interest is for a stereo amp.  And suggesting something for $34K was a little over the top of my stated budget of $6K

;^)