Best midrange on SS amp ?

Audiogabby,
Give a listen if you can to the Plinius amps. SA 100's or 102 series. Their use of NPN rather than PNP devices are more linear and better sounding tham most SS designs which use PNP output devices. These amps are noted for thier tube like midrange quality with excellent bass. To my ears, these are some of the best SS amps. I use a BAT Vk5i pre and had prviously owned ARC VTM 120 tube monos. I much prefer the Plinius SA 100Mk11 I am using as it sounds much more balanced top to bottom in my system with out losing the tube like mids.

Best of luck with your search!-Ken

If you must go SS try the BEL 1001 Mk V bridged-mono or the new Hovland Radia. Both have exceptional midranges and their frequency extremes aren't too shabby either.

Clayton Mono Blocs or Llano Trinity Amps are my choice. I have had the SA/1s and the VK-500 and the a few Krell's, they were no match for the Clayton or Llano.

Audiogabby,

Right on!! Symphonic Line amps DO have an awesome, grain-less midrange. I can say that w/ confidence thru my personal experience. Also, the Symphonic Line amp I have has a lot of "soul". From my communications w/ other Symphonic Line amp owners, I can inform you that this seems to be the case w/ many other of their products. I have also heard the Kraft 250 stereo & it too has an awesome midrange & has the same "house" sound.

If you are looking to spend some megabucks (I think you indicated so!) then also consider the Gryphon Antilleon Signature Stereo power amp. This beast weighs 90kgs & is 150W/ch pure class-A operation. Retails in the USA for $25,000! I heard this amp recently & it too has an effortless, natural & grain-free midrange. Plenty of bass slam too. Very musically satisfying. The cost was the only disadvantage to me.

There are other Gryphon products that might meet your budget if the above mentioned one is (well)over.

Also, consider the Swiss make - Goldmund. Also very, very expensive but is reputed to be simply excellent bar none. People tell me that once they finish dicking around w/ various other amps during their life-time in this audio hobby, they finally come to rest once they own a Goldmund! People tell me that their amps are ones to "graduate" too. I have no personal experience tho' only relating what I have been told by many others. IMHO. YMMV.

Pass Aleph 1.2 mono blocks.

Happy Listening.