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Is there a Solid State amp that can satisfy a SET guy?

Have been a SET guy for so long I have forgotten what a good SS amp even sounds like.
Just bought a pair of $33k speakers that will replace my current $16k speakers. Both are from the same designer and both are 92db and a flat 8 ohms. The new ones arrive in 4 days!
My 300B based amps well drive my current speakers even though I do use the system nightly as a 2 channel home theater. Especially considering the HT usage, I think I may enjoy a SS amp with many times the horsepower. The speaker designer suggests using a Leema Hydra II. I have written to Leema telling them of my 300B preference and they assure me that their amp does not have the destructive harmonics that make a SS amp bright. There must be other SS amps that can satisfy?
mglik
mglik OP
889 posts
 
Vinnie knows what music sounds like and is a very nice guy, I was very impressed by his early battery powered small amps. I bet his new integrated is excellent, Think there is an option of tube choice. If you can use a 300B, I would highly recommend getting Takasukis. Parts Connection in Canada has them for $1400.
They are the next best to old WEs.
mikem
260 posts
 
Pass XA25..  You will want to open it up and check for tubes inside.. 

4425
861 posts
 
Dartzeel. Built to last forever so given this look for used units. The CTH 8550 integrated amp is a truly great product but it very much needs to be used single ended if you want the magic. They have a VERY short existence on the used market. Try Chambers Audio for a used unit. The alternative would be an NHB-108b amp but the integrated is so close. Also you wouldn’t be buying a boat anchor. I no longer have one but was foolish to sell mine(CTH 8550).
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Pass XA25.. You will want to open it up and check for tubes inside..
Ah yeah??? unusually tight, uncoloured and extended sounding tubes yes.
Other amps but low power and gain would be Nelson Pass’s Aleph’s, which think all models are single ended, but solid state, and are room heaters also just like tube SE's.

Cheers George
mglik OP
889 posts
 
The more I listen to my Bakoon HPA-01 the more I love it.
This is THE SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy or anyone.
It leaves me imagining just how spectacular a higher powered Bakoon would sound in my main rig. Meanwhile I am enjoying it with my headphones!
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