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Solid State Low powered Amplifiers

My quest is to find a SS low powered amplifier to use in the Summer months, in place of Tube and Class A amplification … I have Klipsch Cornwall 4s and limited AC in my hot TN listening room for 4-5 months. I know it will be hard to match the sound I get from tube and Class A …on a solid-state amp and I am wondering if I’m looking in the right place for a “10 W per channel” solid-state amplifier which I don’t even know if they make. The Cornwall speakers are 102 DB sensitivity.

moose89

Showing 4 responses by larryi

larryi
4,188 posts
 

I very much liked the sound of First Watt amps if one must run solid state.  However, both of the amps I heard-J2 and SIT 2–ran a bit warm.  I would think you would be more in the market for a Class D amp.

larryi
4,188 posts
 

I agree that Lavardin makes terrific sounding modestly powered amps.  They sound lively at lower volumes, unlike most solid state amps.  I generally prefer low-powerd tube amps with higher efficiency speakers, but, if someone wants to stay away from tubes, Lavardin is a good choice.

larryi
4,188 posts
 

You are looking for low heat from the amp, not necessarily low power output.  You should be looking at Class D amps.  I don’t know much about them, but, I am sure there are many decent examples out there.

larryi
4,188 posts
 

The First Watt J2 I had in my system sounded quite good--not really like a good low-powered tube amp, but good nonetheless.  However, it ran fairly hot, so I don't know if would help your room situation.

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