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Is there a Solid State amp that can satisfy a SET guy?

Have been a SET guy for so long I have forgotten what a good SS amp even sounds like.
Just bought a pair of $33k speakers that will replace my current $16k speakers. Both are from the same designer and both are 92db and a flat 8 ohms. The new ones arrive in 4 days!
My 300B based amps well drive my current speakers even though I do use the system nightly as a 2 channel home theater. Especially considering the HT usage, I think I may enjoy a SS amp with many times the horsepower. The speaker designer suggests using a Leema Hydra II. I have written to Leema telling them of my 300B preference and they assure me that their amp does not have the destructive harmonics that make a SS amp bright. There must be other SS amps that can satisfy?
mglik

Showing 3 responses by joeinid

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joeinid
658 posts
 
@ag3__ 

I have not gone back to the F7 since the initial few days. We’ve had a storm pass through, no power for almost 3 days and with some frequent brown outs, have not had the stereo on much at all this past week.

While I’ve initially loved and love the F7, my main amp is and has been the SIT3 on my Avantgarde. I eventually need to put the F7 back in rotation, but my SIT3 has been just so wonderful for me, I’m getting a little lazy swapping out gear.
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 


@lula

Nothing will or can beat a good/great tube amp. My main goal for finding the perfect (for me) solid state amp (SIT3 is my choice with Luxman 590 AXII a close second) is because I play my system 12-18 hours a day when on. Tubes would worry me a little. I am not opposed to swapping around sometimes.

The Velvet E2 non SE is closer to the SIT3 than the SE version. Sometimes I wish I still had the non SE version for my Avantgarde. Only in comparison to the SE version, the non SE is not quite as clean on top but it’s a little sweeter/warmer and a little more "musical" at the expense of a little detail.
joeinid's avatar
joeinid
658 posts
 
@ag3__

I’ve owned all those you’ve mentioned. My speakers are Avantgarde Duo XD so a more normal speaker might yield slightly different results.

The Pass XA25 is a wonderful amp but very neutral to my ear. Power is easily double rated output. Powerful bass, smooth highs and nice open sound. Very quiet.

The Valvet E2se (also had the non SE version) is a superb amp. Most likely half or actually one quarter of the output of the XA25. For my taste, I think I may slightly prefer the non SE version. It’s a little warmer, sweeter and overall a little more smoothed over. The E2se is cleaner and more see through because of upgraded parts and wires. This is my taste because I usually prefer a warmer/sweeter sound. Both Valvet amps are superb, just match them appropriately. If you love a little more neutrality, go for the SE - power feels ballsier than rated.

The SIT3, on my Avantgarde, is my absolute favorite. Warm/sweet, a little soft but with detail, full, meaty, awesome vocals, rounded and slightly puffy bass. It’s listen all day and night awesome to me.
The SIT1 is the energetic and more lively version of the SIT3. I had the monos. If my room was bigger and my speakers further away, I’d likely enjoy/prefer the SIT1 as much or more. The SIT1 is a little more forward, open, more front or second row perspective with TREMENDOUS 3D and a giant soundstage. It has to be heard to be believed. The SIT3 is more mid hall effect and a little more distant. The SIT3 is more intimate. Again, my taste. 

All above amps are dead quiet and amazing performers. These are my opinions only.
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