Companies like Plinius, Classe, Yba, Naim, and Pass have a reputation for being "Tube Like" but it is better rephrased, "some similarities with tubes sound". In the end it is still SS.
"Tube Like" SS Integrated Amps
I'm looking for opinions on SS integrated amps that are often described as having a "smooth" or "tube-like" sound. Examples I've heard described this way are Audio Refinement Complete Alpha, Music Hall Mambo and Rega Mira. I'm looking at amps that cost no more than $800 used. There are far too many choices, especially if you include the Chinese made tube integrateds.
Do these amps represent a good compromise at the price point between SS harshness and tube flabbiness? Would a hybrid integrated typically do the tube sound better? The Jolida 1301, as cheap as it is, seems to consistently get high marks. I wonder what at this price point does the most right (and least wrong)?
Do these amps represent a good compromise at the price point between SS harshness and tube flabbiness? Would a hybrid integrated typically do the tube sound better? The Jolida 1301, as cheap as it is, seems to consistently get high marks. I wonder what at this price point does the most right (and least wrong)?