High End Tube Gear Transition to High End SS

Not trying to change your mind here but, why are you doing this? I know you said you were downsizing but, do you really need to? Are you moving to a smaller place and no longer have the space? Forced downsizing (such as a divorce, loss of income and you have to sell) and you have no choice? Don't need to know the divorce part, but forced downsizing tells me much. If not, I wouldn't get rid of that excellent equipment. But, if you have no choice, I would look at audio magazines that reviewed equipment in your price range. Find equipment that suites your ear (regardless of whether they are solid state or tube) and go from there. You don't have to limit yourself to strictly solid state. Within a price point there are just as good tube equipment as solid state. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying don't go with good solid state. I'm saying 1) if you don't really have to downsize, don't, 2) pick a price point and look at tube and solid state and listen in your own system to determine what suits you and go from there.

I am interested in your conclusions.

enjoy

IF you like the tube amp sound but must downsize to an integrated amp, why not a tube integrated?

If you are looking for something different or more modern sounding, then a move to SS might yield dividends.

What works/sounds best mostly depends on ones goals. Lots of technical choices to achieve those.

Or how about a hybrid integrated? The newer Peachtree Nova integrateds seem to have gotten mostly everything right on paper and these are on my audition list. At least if digital source material is a big consideration.

Thank you both for your excellent and valued responses. Fortunately, the contemplated downsizing is not urgent nor forced. In fact, my wife of many, many years loves the sound of the system and is much more cautious than I am when it comes to change.

This "downsizing" notion of mine may be a function of getting older and thinking about "simplifying" my life. I must say that the MFA gear has been exceptionally reliable and trouble-free, and has required little of me except basic maintenance. Their physical presence in our living room cannot be ignored, however. :)

Perhaps the reason I started this thread is to "think" aloud with some feedback from a few dedicated audio kindred spirits.

I will be auditioning a pair of Larsen 6 speakers soon. If they meet my expectations, I will likely sell my upgraded Chapman T7's- a truly great speaker, but one which makes its physical presence known and requires placement at least 2 or preferably 3 feet from the wall.

Thank you again, and please feel free to give me more feedback. I've been out of the audio game for a long time and miss the courteous camaraderie. :)

I would get Class A solid state.

I think you need to figure out what speakers you'll be using. Without that, its hard to make recommendations.