Mastersound Amps. Anything similar you'd recommend

I second Gjrad's opinion, as, thanks to him, I own the same amp (VAIC 300B SE), but use it set up for the 32b or 320B XLS tube (more top-end extension, less midrange presence). I ran Sonus Faber Concertino Home monitors (88dB/6ohm) with them and am just switching to Sonist Concerto 3s (95dB/8ohm).

I know both of the SS amps you mention, having auditioned them (they're good, but not SET).

I think the only comparable SET amps are made by Ayon (Austria) and those are even more expensive.

But VAC once made an excellent P/P integrated, called the Avatar, which you can pick up for a reasonable price used (one avail. now on A'gon). I'm not sure if it's still in production, but it may be. And Audio Note (UK) makes a 300b integrated w/phono called the Meishu, which is also affordable when it comes up used (rare).

Neither amp is quite like the VAIC/Mastersound 300B SE, though. But I do like them both quite a lot, especially the VAC Avatar.

Cayin makes good P/P amps, but I don't know about whether they make SET or if they're any good. A different sound than Mastersound, from the Cayin KT88s I've heard.

I think Mastersound is special. Check this out:

http://www.soundstage.com/traveler/traveler200801.htm

http://www.ultraaudio.com/features/2007_11_01.htm

David12 is right about Viva amps--I agree, anyway. Excellent and also made in Vicenza, like Mastersound. If power is an issue, I also recommend the Mastersound Compact 845--about 25W-30W.

The Due Venti is a very nice amp too! I was looking for one when Gjrad turned me on to the VAIC 300BSE. The Due Venti is 20W/channel. Here's a review:

http://6moons.com/audioreviews/mastersound2/duo.html

The issue with SET amps and conventional speakers is that they can only drive them to moderate levels. I could not get the VAIC 300bSE to power the SF Concertinos to more than "entertaining" volume, which was what I mainly did in that room anyway. So, they were fine for that.

But, to fill the room and to get the best out of the amp, I needed a more sensitive speaker. And I wanted one as good on operatic voices as the SF Concertinos were. The Sonist Concerto 3 is that, plus it's fabulous with large-scale orchestral music too.

I highly endorse the Due Venti. For speakers to match it with, you might look into the Sonist Concerto 2--a large monitor rated 95dB/8 ohms. Very affordable and I found it great for blues, rock, jazz, and operatic and jazz voices. Just not the last word in depth and slam for orchestral music. A review:

http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/sonist_concerto_2.htm

Krauti--

A question. What is it you don't prefer about the Electrocompaniet AW220 amps? Or, putting it another way--I thought that Electrocompaniet had a reputation of being fairly "soft" and somewhat dark and "tubelike" as far as SS amps were concerned. Why are you selling the AW220s?

As a tube-amp lover, I've admired Electrocompaniet, MBL, and Clayton in terms of their approaches to SS sound.