Solid state amp that tube fan can be happy with?

Pass, Conrad Johnson, Bedini.

I have not heard the Coda S5.5 but some audiophiles & critics swear by the excellent sound from 20 to 25 year old Coda amps.   On SoundstageUltra, the editor uses old Coda amps despite having had high end and costly amps in his many systems previously. 

Might get some hate, but I would like to hear the Chinese clone DarTZeels.

@pryso It is a problem of the times we live in, I think!

People don’t want to listen, but instead need to offer their opinion on things, everyone wants to be heard.

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

;^)

35.2 lb Westminster Labs REI

These class A amps do look great and from Robert Harley’s review in June their sound signature seems like something many would like. But for $33,900 per pair, they better be game changers!

If you don’t need more than 50 watts Class A, the $6400 45lb Coda S5.5 is a killer amp in my opinion as I personally find it matches the following from the said review’s conclusion (at least with my ears compared to my Pass X250.8 & XA30.8).

"If you’re looking for the classic “Class A sound” of softish bass and warm midrange textures at the expense of transparency and resolution, the WestminsterLab Rei monoblocks probably aren’t for you. But if it’s neutrality, high resolution, see-through transparency, dynamic liveliness, and outstanding bass you’re after..."

If you are willing to TRY a class D amplifer, VTV makes a few different models class D amps, some with tube input buffers, others with different Op-amp choices to flavor the sound in the direction you want to go. These all have a 45 day trial period available which should be enough time to do a fair evaluation of the sound quality. Modules used include Hypex, Purifi, to name a couple and are available at different power levels, there are enough choices in power level you should be able to find something that works for you. I just recently got a 500 wpc Hypex based amp from them for roughly 760 bucks and I love it. Cool running, very clean sound quality, hard not to like efficient, good build quality and affordable with good sound. Class D is the future of amplification and it has arrived...its way better than anything I have heard regardless of price.

https://vtvamplifier.com/

How about small monoblocks weighing only 35 lbs, 100 watts 8 ohms, doubling, quadrupling in 4 and 2 ohms, only warm temp Class A. Westminster Labs REI solid state-on all the time and always ready.

I used 35 to 120 watt, stereo and monoblock Class A/B tube amps for 50+ years.  No need to run hotter, tube dependent amps any longer.  Game changer!

I would suggest the Moonriver 404R or the Atma-Sphere Ganfet monoblocs.  I would be hard pressed to say which is tubier, and they are both excellent.

The only solid-state amp I have owned that has come the closest to my tube amps is my MC2105.  It's pretty dang good.

BELLES....can't beat them for Sweetness.

If you're leaning Class D, Ralph's Atma-Sphere Class D mono-blocks should be looked into

CODA for class A solid state, best solid state I've ever heard. I have a CODA S5.5 which is high current 50wpc Class A (more in A/B)....and is brilliant with a tube preamp (I'm running an Aric Audio Motherlode XL)

McCormack, I have a DNA 0.5 (not upgraded by SMC, yet) but get my tube sound via Manley Jumbo Shrimp pre. 

I am very happy with Bel Canto Ref600M class D monos.

Check out Kora Audio Square Tube design power amplifier TA240.

I am a very satisfied former owner of Jeff Rowland and Merrill amplifiers, but  the Kora sits on the top of my list for naturalness and musicality…..beautifully matched with JM Reynaud Abscisse Jubilee speakers in a medium sized LR.

Alas, input impedance 10k- 20kohm maybe too low for your tube pre….

Vive la France!

There were many comments above that recommended the PS Audio BHK 300 mono blocks and I had a set and they were terrific.  same for the Coda 16 which is my current amp and is an even better match with my Thiel speakers.  i have not heard the newer Coda amp but it is well priced and probably a "giant Killer".

Accuphase but they maybe out of your budget. Consider them a long term investment as they are built to last lifetime. 

I replaced a PrimaLuna Dialogue HP with a Pass Labs 250.8 and my ARC 6 pre.  A perfect combination for me that gives the best of both SS and tubes.

Sugden Masterclass IA-4.

33 wpc into 8 ohms.  Pure Class A.

I don't like solid state but at the recent Capital Audio Fest I heard Mytek's newest flagship monoblocks, the Empire Ganfet, and it was seriously good. Most solid sate, regardless of price, set me off but these I would have in my home.

For me, it was my Musical Fidelity A1-2008 class A SS integrated (in HT mode) comparing with my Transcendent Sound T8-LN 25 wpc OTL amp.

The OTL wins in some ways, the Class A wins in other ways

I was pleasantly surprised (amazed?) at how great the Class A sounds in comparison to the OTL tube amp.

Wells Audio may be just what you're looking for.  

The Atma-Sphere Class D amps are superb and maybe the best deal in Audio.

Ralph’s tube amps are also great but, for relatively little money, his Ds are as good if not better. I replaced also excellent AGD amps. The Atmas are better with much tighter, better bass. 

Solid state amps that sounds like tubes...  May I suggest this: 

Parroting the caption in the picture, these finned beasts resembling the Borg's spaceship from Star Trek, these really have that warmth and glow from within sound that tube gear posses.  Be sure to use a tree-trunk thick power cord on this amp so it sounds its best; I use a pair of Shunyata Anaconda Zitron HC power cords.  These cords gives the amp some oomph, a bit snappier bass, and better transient pop.  

Those Aleph 1.2s are not the newest amps on the block.  For something a bit newer, may I suggest this: 

This is Nelson Pass's previous generation of Class A amps in the XA-200.5.  These were succeeded by the ".8" generation of amps.  These ".5" amps have greater midrange warmth.  That was traded in the ".8" amps for improved air, better higher frequency response, and overall just a bit more resolving.  I have both sets of amps - the 1.2s and 200.5s..  

Lastly, I'm going to do a shameless plug form myself...  I also have very nice pair of XA-100.5 amps.  As for why I have 2 sets of XA amps, when Mark @ Reno Hifi was retiring and getting out of the audio retail game, he was selling his personal pair of XA-200.5 amps.  On complete impulse, I bought his 150 lb room heaters when I already had the XA-100.5s doing regular hifi and room heating duties.  

To all, have a prosperous and a Happy New Year!

Agree that Coda should be at the top of your list. The No. 8 Continuum specs meet your criteria and sonic preferences. I have one in my showroom now driving a pair of Sound Lab Majestic 745’s and it is indeed a premium solid state amplifier that manages to convey the best qualities of tubes and solid state. I’d be happy to answer any questions and help you into any of their amps if you don’t have a local dealer. Feel free to PM.

Luxman M-700 Ultra power amp works well with tube pre-amps 

I've been using tubes for over 30 years and recently switched to an SS Grandinote amp. That's when you realize that the best of both worlds are combined in these amplifiers. You soon forget all the talk about the warmth of tubes and the coldness of certain amps. A must-listen despite the high budget.

Many years ago, I worked almost exclusively with a great dealer in Denver who let me audition many different amps.  My favorite (at my price point) was Electrocompaniet.  It sounded much sweeter than some of the other SS amps that had me reaching for the mute button by the end of a CD.

Many years ago, I worked almost exclusively with a great dealer in Denver who let me audition many different amps.  My favorite (at my price point) was Electrocompaniet.  It sounded much sweeter than some of the other SS amps that had me reaching for the mute button by the end of a CD.

Hegel did it for me. I have the H200 and it got me off the SS vs Tube merrygoround. 

Were I looking today my first stop would be Coda. That said, I’m a tube guy (with 5 tube amps) who lives happily with two SS class A amps for variety: a Plinius Sa-103 modded by Ralph Abramo at Plinius Repairs, and a 25 yr old Reference Line Silver Sig modded slightly by Roger Modjeski, may he RIP.

I was also gonna recommend the Atmasphere GaN amp but didn’t as they are monoblocks, but they don’t take up more space than your average stereo amp, and as Ralph mentioned above they can even be stacked.  They offer a generous trial period, and you have to think there’s something to a distinguished tube amp designer being very happy with his GaN amp.  I’d be strongly inclined to at least try them if I was you. 

You have gotten some great suggestions if you are really looking to make the switch to solid state.   I was in the same situation a few years ago and tried Boulder and Pass Labs.  Being a tube lover for over 40+ years I went back to a all tube system and I am enjoying the music more than ever.

As mentioned somewhere above if you love tube sound only tubes will satisfy. 

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.

@pryso FWIW Dept: Class D amps don't run warm so you can stack them if you like so the mono or stereo thing isn't so important. Also FWIW our class D has both balanced and single-ended inputs and we allow for a return. The amps seem to take a while to break in; about 450 hours so we allow for a long audition time with them than we do with our tube stuff.

Coda, without hesitation, should be at the top of your list of considerations.

Enjoyed listening to a Bedini 25/25  Also a BEL 1001 going through a Melos 

SHA 1. Older like me thanks

Enjoyed listening to a Bedini 25/25  Also a BEL 1001 going through a Melos 

SHA 1. Older like me thanks

I moved from tube amps to a Modwright KWA 150 Signature Edition. It doesn’t get hot and sounds better than any tube amp that I’ve owned. I still use my Audio Research Reference 5SE preamplifier, which is a tube preamp. You can find great deals used. 

I used a McIntosh MC2250 for years when driving my less efficient JSE Infinite Slope Model IIs and listening at higher volumes than I do these days.

Rated conservatively at 250 wpc, It tested accurate to 305 wpc by McIntosh Lab technician (anybody remember Lab Days at Harvey's, NYC?). They advised me to leave it at full volume and use the preamp volume which I did. It was simply invisible, totally silent brute, did no harm. I have a 3rd meniscus tear in my knee thanks to moving the 80 lb beast from a low shelf while poorly positioned. 

Anything McIntosh, if you don't go for the silly distracting meters, you save a lot of money. 

I replaced my VAC Renaissance 70/70 with a Coda s5.5 and I am very happy. @mulveling  nailed it as far as that tube harmonic distortion that is pleasing to the ears. But I have adjusted and I am very happy with the results. 

Due to the current state of tube availability and prices  I switched to SS.

I ended up with a Coda No. 8 stereo amp. 50K unbalanced input imp. and 10k balanced input imp..Just a terrific amplifier and it can drive a number of different speakers. Not sure its just like a tube amp because there are so many different tube types and design iterations. But I am happy with the choice.  And I thought that couldn't happen.

No conversation about the new EVO 300 Hybrid power amp from PrimaLuna. This should be looked at. 

I auditioned the Van Alstine SET 500. Thought it was a very good sounding amp, but while it was smooth and dynamic, I didn’t think it really sounded like a tube amp .

I would definitely recommend giving CODA a good look. They have several SS amps in that price range that would excel at the characteristics you are looking for. They run cool (for Class A) and CODA amps are fast and articulate, while retaining a smooth, warm sound not typically associated with SS amps. Pass is also a good choice, but CODA is every bit as good, and typically less expensive. CODA doesn't advertise and they are not as well-known as some competitors, but they are extremely well made and offer a great value. 

The CODA 5.5, or maybe a used CODA 8 would be good choices. The CODA 16 is a great amp but would be beyond your stated budget.  

Good Luck

Van Alstine DVA SET 500

I rarely see YBA mentioned here but their amps are designed with tube sound in mind.  I used to work at a stereo shop that carried their products and it was always an easy sell for customers seeking a tube-like sound without the hassle. As a long-time tube owner I personally found them enjoyable and have often been tempted to go that way again. ;-)  They're pretty affordable, too.

Agree with mm1tt77 by enlarge. Pass, Coda. situation at Krell seems unclear right now for service, etc. Would add Ayre to the list to consider.

i have a Pass XA-25 and very happy with it. Would consider to add a tube phono but definitely not replace it with a tube amp as it provides similar sound but without some of the negative aspects.

good luck in your search

This Van Alstine amp is worth a look, and they offer a 30-day trial period.  Best of luck. 
 

https://avahifi.com/products/dva-set-500-stereo-power-amplifier