Can the AVM 6.2 or Pass INT-60 replace my LM845P?


Hi, I would like to have a more simple system. One I can play all day without thinking about expensive tubes (:

I have the LM 845 Premium, a VERY good amplifier.

But I would like to have a more down to earth amp.


I have investigated integrated SS amps and have found the AVM 6.2ME and the Pass INT-60.

Unfortunately I will not be able to listen to any of them before buying, so I ask the brain trust for advice.


Will I be a sad man if I sell my tube amp and replace it with one of the suggested amps?





martin-andersen

@aduiotroy,
"We have been doing This professionaly for 30 years 300b and 845 tubes a have a very unique sound"
Yep!

I believe that the OP can find sonic satisfaction with a good quality solid state amplifier but it will certainly  be different.
Charles

I have a sony ta-4650 (V-fet) amp and a preamp mikrolampizator valve (lukasz fikus), really better than my Sugden A21SE, it'a another world!!!
My Sansui AU-777A is also better than the sugden.
The V-fet amp are compared with triode 300b, i found better than the 845se dinan, i've compared with my friend.
This is a tough one.  I have a customer who is grappling with this now on a pair of Tekton Ulfberht's.  Interestingly he has a pair of Cary 845s and 845s are my favorite tube as the Art Audio Quartets are my all-time favorite amps.  

The reality is, no SS amp is going to recreate an 845.  The imaging won't be the same.  That being said, odds are your 845 is struggling a hair with bass performance on those Double Impacts.  

Bass performance will improve.  Imaging will suffer.  Tonally, they will probably fall in about the same place as 845s tend to be a very linear tube and less rolled off than 300Bs.  

My customer spent two weeks with the AVM A5.2 and the Canor AI 1.10.  He thought the Canor was the best option with the exception that he is in a big room and the 20w in triode is not enough in his space.  Reference listening had the volume at like 90%.  I think he is going to move forward with the AVM 6.2 ME as he liked the 5.2 a lot and is just looking for a touch more refinement. 

Looking only at SS, you are on the right path as those two will be very good.  I am highly biased toward AVM, partially because I am a dealer but I do genuinely like the sound and build quality of their gear.  I have had a 5.2 here for months and once you get through the break-in period, it is wonderful and the 6.2ME is quite a bit better.  

I don't sell Pass but obviously it is excellent gear and highly recommended.  

I would also suggest you check out the Canor AI 1.20, 50w into 4 ohms and it will do the job very well with those Tektons.  I suggest this largely because I am the importer, but I am certain it will do the job well.  

I know it still has tubes, but maintenance is MUCH lower and tube life is dramatically longer.  The LTA Z40 integrated would also be a very good choice.  I heard the power amp driving Tektons and it was a very good match.