Gave up my SET----looking for moderate to higher power replacement options

Charles----I already sold the JAS.  I had it repaired a couple yrs ago, a problem with a bank of bridge rectifiers if I recall correctly.  I used it briefly until the heat made me switch in the warm weather substitute amp.  I then moved 3 times in 2 yrs and only recently attempted to install the JAS again.  It didn't work correctly and the tech who did the work had retired with no one remotely close to pick up his spot.  So..... I'll certainly miss that amp but I really don't want to mess a full tube amp again.  I'm happy to try hybrids.  Anyone use the Rogue Hydra or Medusa?  

falconquest---been using solid state to drive the woofers for several yrs, everything from pro amps to integrateds and now a preamp & separate power amp.  The issue is that the 45w I got out of my SET just wasn't quite enough some of the time.  The SET broke down (again) so I sold it.  I have a pretty good gainclone in the Audiozone Amp1 but it too is a bit lacking in power and just doesn't quite have the presence and inner detail of the SET so.... that's why I'm considering Class D finally.  I hated the Wyred4Sound ST500 but I'm hearing that Class D has arrived.  Hoping to either verify that or have the opposite confirmed.  And I DO really like tubes but I've had enough issues with them and the replacement cost + it can be pretty difficult to source good tubes.  Simplify!  That's my goal in audio now as well as life.  

djones51--- I was looking at the Nord monoblocks on TMR.  Any experience with them?  And I'll be looking for used LKV or AGD amps though it may be a while before they sell at my price point.  Sucks to be poor!

What I heard with the JAS Array 2.1 was a purity that I hadn't heard before nor in any thing else in my system since.  The sound was not warm nor lush.  It was quite neutral in that sense if not slightly lean.  And the images had a fullness and a very clear place in space that sounded "real".  It was just more detailed with subtleties that increased realism beyond anything else.   That's what I'm asking about in a possible Class D replacement.  I hear much of it in some of the gainclones I've tried but they tend to be lower powered as well.  For  90% of my listening, that's not an issue.  And I don't think I was pushing the JAS or the gainclones the majority of the time.  But, there are those occasions and some music just cannot be listened too at lowish levels, right?

Atmasphere--you've responded to a few of my inquiries and I always appreciate your comments.  I put on my reading glasses and go over your comments several times to make sure I comprehend all that I can.  Regarding tubes.....I would be happy to try something like the Rogue Hydra.  But I want to get away from a full-tube amplifier.  

And I gave a lot of thought to the Pass xa 25 and 30.5.  I posted here asking about their transparency/detail compared to the Gamut D100/200 and got the impression that they are a bit less detailed and perhaps colored.  The reviews sound great but leave me wondering if there are options closer to what I'm looking for.

Millercarbon----I have read lots of Tekton reviews and have considered the DI SE's.  Most reviews sound spot on for what I like in a speaker but every now-and-then, a reviewer comments on how the top end just doesn't sound as polished as it could.  I read that the Spatial Audio M-4 bettered the Tektons.  Now, I'd have to look it up the be more specific, and I did see other similar complaints but more than anything else, I really do like my DIY/Legacy Focus clones.  They replaced a pair of Von Schweikert VR 4 gen II and the improvement was vast.  And since then, I lined the cabinets with sound deadener, rewired with solid core silver plated copper and paid to have the crossovers upgraded.  I also bypass the binding posts and run the wires directly to the crossovers.  And they're just to damn big to ship.  

others----will look into the Hydra, the 12au7 has been a long time favorite tube of mine.  I will also look into the AGD and LKV amps.  These are the kind of recommendations I am hoping for, amps I've never heard of.  There are just so many fairly obscure Class D amps to investigate so thanks for pointing me in the right directions.  Thanks all!

jjss49--The Audiozone Amp1 is (if I understand it correctly) also a Peter Daniel's creation and is pretty much the same amp with dual front mount volume pots and it is really quite nice.  I keep the pots fully open and use the volume on my DAC.  I run into volume limitations occasionally and that's mostly the reason I seek something else.  It falls short of the JAS Array in some regards but I could live with it sonically.  

lalitk--these DIY/Legacy Focus clones are quite sensitive.  When going from the Von Schweikert VR 4 Gen II to these, I was shocked at how much louder these were than the VR 4's with the volume set at its customary setting.  And I'm thinking replacing these would be a huge P.I.T.A .  Getting something as good would be expensive and selling these....oh, easier to keep them!

geof3---i asked about the Pass xa25 vs the Gamut D100/200 recently as was told the Gamuts were quite a bit more transparent and the Pass were a warmer and smoother sounding amp.  No criticism here, I would just prefer the greater transparency.  I'm happy to use cables to adjust the sound as necessary

charles1dad---you're always a gentleman on these forums and offer good advice as well which probably puts you in the minority but I certainly appreciate that.  

brownsfan----still spinning aluminum exclusively so digital it is!  I'll look into the Lyngdorf.   Love it when I get concrete options.  Thanks

Charles---I probably won't (ever) be able to swing the Mola Mola or Soulution amps but am interested in the Benchmark.  I'd be much more likely to seek them out if the used price were lower though.  How did you feel about the Benchmark's sound?  I read a few comments about some incompatibility issues with some speakers?

Mapman---these Focus clones are a fairly good match with 805 based SETs.  The 45w is ample power for the most part.  I just get the itch sometimes to play lounge or dubstep or some brutal bass heavy ambient at un-neighborly levels.  With almost everything else, I never felt I was pushing the JAS hard.  My main listening was jazz and some blues so the volume was usually kept at reasonable levels.  With most other SET amps using other tubes, I would agree with finding the right speakers but I think it less of an issue with 805's.

articdeth---my appreciation of the SET I had was more based on it's pristine sound than tone.  With the right recordings, I was hearing the musicians in the room with me rather than a widow on to  the recording. There was just so much inner detail and (almost) nothing between me and the sound.  Almost every other amp I've used is veiled in comparison.  I'm looking for the transparency and detail I hear about in the best Class D amps without the common shortcomings.   The reviews of some of the First Watt amps sound like what I want, just much more power.

atmasphere---you mention that there are Class D amps you've heard that are very close to the SET sound.  Would you please offer a recommendation or two?  

Many thanks to all.  If I find what I'm looking for, I'll certainly share my experience(s).  

boomerbillone----what 300B were you using?

boomerbillone---sounds very interesting and what a nice price.  Where did you purchase yours and are you missing any qualities in the new amp vs the Elekit?  Thanks for the recommendation!

speakermaster---with regards to vintage amps, back in the day I had a Krell KSA 100S, Threshold T-200, Threshold SA4e, and Classe 25.  They were all nice in their own way but none were remotely the kind of transparent I'm looking for.  Compared to the JAS, all were rather on the opaque side and, as a result, not as engaging for me.  I can certainly enjoy music from any of those fine amps but that's not what I want.  I connect most with a recording when it sounds real.  Only a highly (for me anyway----financial restrictions at play here) transparent and detailed system really gets and holds my attention.   To each, their own.  That's just my preference.  No right or wrong.  Thanks for your input though.

brianlucey---I picked up my first JAS Array 2.1 for an even trade for a pair of Monarchy Audio SE 160's and then a few yrs later bought a demo JAS for less than $1500 shipped.  Add about $600-700 for tubes and I had great sound for well under $2500.  My Audiozone Amp1 is fairly close ($1100 used) and could probably be modded to get even closer.  And I see reviews stating that some of the First Watt amps are as good as SET or even better.  Granted these are all lower power than I want to go in the future but, you can get that kind of sound for under $3000----it's not absurd :)

rodge827---i was just looking at a used Digital Audio Company Maraschino Cherry STM 60V KING but it sold.  I couldn't find any good reviews of that particular model and can't a take review too seriously if the items they compare to are ...... lower caliber?  So the DAC amps are a contender for a SET replacement?