2. amps-preamps
  3. 157848-11588

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
888 posts
 
Many speak highly of Nelson’s work. Whitecamaros seems to prefer the 250.8 above all. I surely have heard of the prowess of the 30.8.
I have a First Watt M2 which sounds quite SS. Ralph has developed a Class D amp which he says is very similar sounding to his OTLs.
I hope to eventually get to test a prototype.
The Bakoon does not sound like tubes but it recreates pace and structure in a way that holds music together in an unusual and addictive manner. And it produces detail that other amps, tube or SS blur. But ultimately, the Atmas produce a tone that is just natural and beyond any I have heard.
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
354 posts
 
Any chance we can get an update on this thread? Curious how things/where things have ended up...
davkobza
78 posts
 
Well it’s been several months. Last time around I was touting the virtues of the First Watt SIT-3. I still do. It’s one of the most satisfying, listenable amps I’ve ever heard. 
Since then, I was able to audition the AGD Audion monoblocks in my system. Game changer. I would imagine that these could satisfy SET-loving listeners out there. Not everyone of course but it’s the closest I’ve come thus far and ended building a system around them. These are beautiful sounding amps…Perhaps other AGD users might chime in as well…
rh67
307 posts
 
I believe the OP has the AGD Audion's now. I also own the AGD Audion's fantastic amps and i was a SET guy.
steveashe's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
steveashe
113 posts
 
Those AGD amps look crazy interesting.  Never heard of them.  I'm going to have to investigate.  They actually look like something new!

I bought a Pass INT-25 a few months ago and am extremely satisfied.  The only "downside" so to speak is that it does take a while to sound it's best.   A good hour in my case.  Its as good as the reviews I read prior to purchasing with Harbeth M30.1's.
More to discover