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Which is the most tubelike solid state amp around

Being a tube person who is trying to put together an active loudspeaker setup , I have come across the problem of choosing the best driver for the midrange and upper bass i.e.80Hz to 2.5 KHz. I would like to try a panel such as a Magnapan but am told that they are rather power hungry. Therefore, I would be grateful if fellow Audiogoners could share your experience in relation to the best powerful SS amps that would not be out of place in a "tube-ophile's" system.
Thanks
ecka
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
I've owned the Lamm M1.1s and thought they were very tube-like,suppose it is the input tube and "class A" operation.I wouldn't see why the 2.1/.2 wouldn't fit the bill.I don't believe it is necessary to go to the .2 units,if money is an issue.I bought these because the ATM-3s were out of their league (best in triode-mode) driving the VSA VR-6 and the low impedance of the woofers.
interlochen
40 posts
 
Disagree on Clayton. At least the S-40, which leans more toward neutrality with a touch of warmth. Certainly not tubey. I've not heard other Claytons.
Dave
outlier's avatar
outlier
381 posts
 
Spectron Musician III SE mkii with Bybee filter. The Bybee adds the magic - holographic and with a natural warmth that makes me not miss my KR tube amps.
simontju
257 posts
 
"The Bybee adds the magic - holographic and with a natural warmth that makes me not miss my KR tube amps."

Yes of course, we know it but..... why only with Spectron amps??? Mike Garner of Tweekgeek.com has a licence from Jack Bybee and will install, for money, on any amp.

Alternatively, look Audiogon.com - Tweak sections ,today I saw a few Bybees plug-in which can be used, obviously, with any amplifier

Regards
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
in the context of current production tube amps, perhaps, excluding low wattage sets, a ss amp which does not evince the objectionable characteristics ascribed to the sound of transistors, would connote a tube-like sound.

the "modern tube" design more closely resembles the sound of many solid state amps, than the earlier so-called "classic tube designs".

my experience with solid state amps points to an impression that most solid state amps have an annoying presentation of frequencies above 1000 hz.

while annoying is imprecise, it would seem that when generating spls exceeding 85 db, solid state amps, especially with panel speakers, exhibit an aggressive upper mid/lower treble presentation.

the only time i have actually enjoyed solid state equipment,was the combination of the early avalon ascent or avalon eclipse, mated with rowland amps and preamps. however, i suspect that the avalons, were solid ss friendly.

thus, i would be more concerned about the speaker than the ss amp. selecting a ss friendly speaker may render the selection of a ss amp, much easier, e.g., some of the vandersteens.
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