SS amp - which one ???

conrad-johnson.

I just recently purchased and now enjoy the TAD-125, "Hibachi" mono block amps that I bought for the same reason (sub for tube amps). Paul Grzybek designed it specifically to pair with tube preamps. I just sub'ed for a 300B amp and could not be more delighted. Sonically more even than the 300B, but the midrange is very, very close. This is accomplished according to Paul by not canceling harmonic distortion of the kind that tube amp produce. Excellent micro dynamics, without sounding dark. Highly recommended. Keep in mind that Paul designed and repairs tube amps so it is safe bet that knows what he's talking about...

I am an integrated tube guy (Cary 300 SEI and Cayin A-88T) and a solid state guy. The most musical SS equipment that I have owned was made by Ayre. A used V3 should be in your price range. I also like McCormack amps. I have had the DNA 0.5 Deluxe and currently have a DNA-1 Deluxe (purchased to drive Magnepans). You could also consider a D-class amplifier. I had a Bel Canto S300 that definitely did not sound like a standard SS amp, nor did it sound like a tube amp to me. I wound up selling it because I had an Ayre AX-7e that was a very nice match with my Spendor S8e speakers.