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solid state vs tubes--with a twist

has anyone compared either the cj mv 55, 75, or 125 with a ss amp ?

if so has anyone found one that sounds close to the conrad amps ?

i am asking this question for a reason.

as a reviewer, i have not yet reviewed a solid state amp. i am looking to find one that sounds close to the classic tube sound.

i won't be surprised, if i am told that none exists. but then, maybe there is one, hopefully in production.

i realize it's a long shot. but maybe i'll get lucky.
mrtennis
steelhead
318 posts
 
Not head to head, but,

I heard the Mark Levison black monoblocks that were huge and put out like 25 watts Class A and 300 as heat and they were the most impressive solid state amps I have ever heard (of course dealer showroom and perhaps I was in a good mood but it truly was a memorable demo). I forget the model (ML2 ML25?) early 80's.

I have heard from tube guys about Bedini (sp?) monoblocks that are supposed to be sweet.

Me, no contest, tubed cj for sure, but let me know if something knocks your socks off!

Have Fun!
kurt_tank
1,189 posts
 
I am looking to find one that sounds close to the classic tube sound.

I won't be surprised, if i am told that none exists. But then, maybe there is one, hopefully in production.

IMHO, you said it yourself, "none exists".

There are several solid state, (or hybrid amps), that do some things as good as, or even better than, some tubed amps.
(The hybrid Lamm, and the full Class "A" Pass Labs, amps immediately come to mind).
But none of them have that classic tube sound that you state you are looking for.

If you find one, let us know!

Good Luck in your search!
ahendler
416 posts
 
I don't care for ss amps but the best I have heard are Odyssey Kartego and Stratos amps and Nelson Pass class A amps
Alan
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