Slam possible with Tubes instead of SS ??


I like the sound of tubes having a Sonic Frontiers tube pre amp. Is it possible to get that good SS slam I like from a a reasonably priced tube amp? Using an aragon 8002 ss amp at present. Looking to spend about $2 K max if I decide to jump the fence. Yes i do like to feel the bass and do want want to give that up.
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Showing 1 response by billspecfoc

I'm of a like mind with Rleff. I recently purchased my first piece of Jeff Rowland gear, a Model 5 power amp. It is a warmer sounding SS amp, somewhat lush in the midrange that has tremendous "slam". In other words, it has a great power supply, rated at 40 amps out continuous. It may just float your boat.

Now, it isn't a tube amp. I have owned OTL's in the not too distant past, Atma-Sphere MA-2 Mk2.3's (along with the MP-1 MkII preamp). Those amps had some slam, but at a cost, both financial and heat-wise. They were also crystal clear top to bottom, absolutely remarkable. But, I hardly used them in the summer r/t to the heat they produced.

I can't recommend the JRDG amps highly enough. There are a couple of Model 5's for sale on Agon right now. I have no affiliation with the sellers or JRDG, just a happy customer.

Bill