Class D for a Tube Lover

I bought a ps audio S300 to use while my Musical Reference RM9 mkii (the best tube amp these ears ever heard) was being repaired... I thought I’d sell it once repaired. However, I kept it and sold my tube amp.

Does the S300 sound as good as that tube amp...? NO. However, I was shocked at how close it came.

It probably helps that I am feeding it with a really nice tube linestage (great synergy).

Ignore those that are making blanket statements against class D.

I didn’t like earlier class D sound either...but at least PS Audio.... and possibly others are now getting some incredible sound out of class D.

I don’t miss the tube replacement costs, heat, the weight, or the extra consumption of energy of tube amps.

My experience is that you can have the best of both worlds... With a nice tube pre.

YMMV

Atmasphere.... agree 100% with your.    “You need to hear better preamps!”

FWIW,I have  a Joule Electra pre in front of my PS Audio S300 ... absolutely glorious.

@niodari.....Sorry for the delayed response re. The S300...Haven’t had the chance to try a SS with it.... But did run direct from my PS Audio DAC (has a volume control)... Much much better with the pre there.

However, been using the tube front end trick with solid state amps during the years...Essentially, give you best of both worlds... And generally is less costly and involves less tube maint.  Also a good solution for those with power hungry speakers.  Very powerful (quality) tube amps can get very expensive, heavy, and hot.

My pre is a Joule Electra la-150 mK2... (used) Cost about a thousand more than the S300. More body, better, much bigger Soundstage... More organic, real.