2. amps-preamps
  3. 170065-139155

Solid state amp to go with tube preamp; used ok; budget: $3k max

I may have posed a similar question like this a while back, but I'm curious to get any updated thinking from folks, older or newer.

Situation: I have a Quicksilver Line Stage preamp and 60w monoblocks. I'm happy with them. I'd like to have a solid state amp to swap in for the monoblocks from time to time (weather, variety).

Typical desiderata in the amp are, as you'd expect, great grip on bass and pacing, smooth highs, good presence in mids, as wide and deep a soundstage as possible.

I tried Atoll 120wpc integrated (bypassing the preamp), Van Alstine SET 400, and my old Adcom 535L. None did the above to my satisfaction --problem mainly with mid, treble and with soundstage depth.

I've heard that stepping up the quality could bring something to the table, and to look out for Hegel, Ayre, Pass. Open to any topology. My speakers are 87 db, 8 ohm, and are driven just fine by 60w tube or solid state.

Specific recommendations for brands and models are welcome. I'm willing to buy, try, and re-sell if there's a good chance I'll want to keep it.

I'm going to be watching for things on used sites. Again, for this I'm setting an upper limit of $3k but am hopeful I could do fine with much less.
hilde45

Showing 2 responses by jbuhl

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,038 posts
 
+1 on the PS Audio M 700s. YOu can do a try and buy and they take trade ins. I ran and S300 for several years and like it very much . Sold it to a person on here who was very happy to get it. I moved to a Quad Atera Stereo and that amp can be had for ~$3k

Hegel good suggestion as well.  I demo the Rost (very impressive for a small integrated) and would like to own one of there power amps some day.
jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,038 posts
 
yep missed the "steering away from monoblocks"

Wyred4Sound might work SX-1000R might be an option, gets good reviews.  Never owned there amps but have had some of there other products with satisfaction.
The PS Audio S300 is also a solid piece (single amp, Ice power implementation) and is also part of the try and buy program. Coming in at $1.7k
The Rogue Hydra might be an interesting option. Hybrid Class D/ Tube topology.
my previous setup was a Rogue Tube pre and a PS Audio S300 amp. I think a Tube pre and class D setup is great for lower listening levels if all the specs match up for your speakers at it comes in right at $3K.Rogue:
https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/rogue-audio-hydra-amplifier
Just throwing out some stuff and companies I have had experience with.


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