2. amps-preamps
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Affordable SS amp that has tube characteristics

I have been listening to tubes for a few years now but I do run 2 systems and I want one to be a higher powered SS system. I have a bad habit of turning the stereo on and leaveing it on all day and sometimes leaveing the house and not commeing home for hours and leaving the system on.
I listen to a wide array of music from soft female vocals to hard chargeing Rock and Roll. I do more of the mellow stuff though maybe 80% of the time.
My room is not that big,17X19 and my speakers are a little large for the room,Aerial 10T's. They are not going anywhere I love the way they sound and they are one of the few speakers that I have heard that sound just as good at very low volume as they do at higher volumes.
My current set up is an ARC VT 100 MKIII,ARC LS15 ARC CD3 and I use a Sonos for computer audio and PS Audio DLIII.
I also Have an ARC LS25MKII but I think the LS15 sounds better in this set up.
I have been wanting to use a SS amp here just because the time this system is on and in the summer the heat build up is so bad.
I hear class A mosfets is the way to go to get the tube sound but trying to find something affordable that is large enough to drive the Aerials is where the challenge lies. Yes I would love to have a large Pass Labs amp but they are not in the budget and neither is a Krell amp. I have been thinkng about a Belles amp but most are class AB and then I have to wonder if the Belles Ref 150 would be big enough to drive the Aerials or if I would need sometrhing like the ref 350.
Any have any suggestions on an amp that might fit the bill.
coman61

Showing 5 responses by nonoise

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
I dunno. My Burson integrated sounds amazingly like a six figure tube set up near where I live except for......

It's just that I've learned that a really good tube set up doesn't sound like a tube set up: overly euphonic, too warm, rolled off highs, lacking in detail, weak and underdamped bass, mushy, etc.

Gainclone (gaincard) amps straddle the realm between tubes and solid state as demonstrated by Nelson Pass, Audio Sector, 47Labs and others. Right now, I'm SORELY tempted to buy this, sight (sound) unseen (unheard):
http://www.clonesaudio.com/
It caught my eye yesterday when Srajan at 6moons mentioned it as a new product. The next day it's queued up for review. Essentially, it's a remake of a 47Labs model right down to the same wiring, caps, and schematics and for less than $450!(for the integrated, more for the amps). The designer made one for his dad because even sourcing a used one was way too pricy.

Check out the reviews for all the gaincard amps out there and see if this one floats your boat. I just might order one today myself, if the urge gets too bad.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
I misquoted the price for the integrated as the amp, alone, starts at $450 and the integrated version starts at $550 but even then, if the sonics prove out, it will be a bargain.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Rbrowne,

Now you've got my curiosity piqued somewhat as I have Tonian TL-D1s as well.

I love the sound I get from my Burson integrated but am always on the lookout for something purer, more revealing, but still maintain the dynamics, extension and tonal qualities I get from my Burson.

Do you find the Gaincard to be on the polite side of the equation (like a tripath) or is the opamp dynamic and full bodied, like a good tube amp?

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
Rbrowne,

Thanks for the informative response. Looks like I'll be waiting to "hear" what Srajan says about the 25i. If it's anything like the Gaincard, it'll take a while to get one as the line will be long.

All the best,
Nonoise
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,540 posts
 
I believe the Burson uses Toshiba SA1943/5200 output devices which are mosfets as well which explains why I like the sound but if something wicked this way comes that is faster, cleaner, more lit up from within, and still has similar strengths, and goes for $530.00, I'll give the nod to it.

Thanks for the mention on the Parasound models but I think I'll wait and see.

All the best,
Nonoise
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