SS integrated amp that has tube like qualities


I'm looking for someone who has real experience with several solid state integrated amplifiers that could provide me with a recommendation.

I'm looking for a solid state integrated, if one exists, with a tube like presentation. I mostly listen to male and female vocalists and are looking for an integrated that excells in midrange warmth/bloom, and richness/sweetness, while maintaining sonic clarity.

I believe that the Ayre may meet my expectations, but is a bit expensive even in the used market.

Are there any other less expensive choices? Thanks in advance...

Please do not recommend any class D amplification. I have had several, including the new Wyred and they are not my cup of tea.
sfrounds

Showing 3 responses by cmalak

Hybrids will fit the bill nicely with tubes in the preamp stage and SS output stage. There is very little fussing you need to do with the signal tubes in the pre stage and they typically last 5000-10000hrs (depending on the amp design and signal tubes used). Suggestions:

Pathos Logos (100 wpc)
Vincent SV-236 Mk II (150 wpc)
Phaelon...the OP was not asking for an amp recommendation to match his speakers. He was asking for SS amp recommendations that have characteristics of tubes with specific emphasis on midrange warmth etc...The presumption is that he is knowledgeable enough to properly match amp suggestions to his speaker's requirements. My 2c worth.
Phaelon...I am absolutely not suggesting that and I do not believe I am missing the point at all. Ofcourse, his speaker's sensitivity and impedance characteristics (not to mention phase angle profile across the frequency spectrum) will determine whether a 30wpc Class A SS integrated is appropriate or not but I am assuming the OP can filter through the suggestions that will match poorly with his speakers. You are correct in that if we knew what his speakers were that will (in general but not always) narrow the list of recommendations to integrated amps that will better match his speakers. In any case, I am not trying to stir up the pot here nor do I want to hijack the OP's thread for this sidebar discussion.

Sfrounds...please let us know what your speakers are so we can better make suggestions that suit your needs.