Tvad "Last year, I found a solid state alternative that has made me quite happy".
May I ask what solid state alternative you found? I am constantly nit-picking over my tube gear and I have to admit that, in the last few years, I have entertained the idea of finding no fuss solid state pieces that adequately bridge the gap between tube and ss. Presently, my tube preamp is having some work done and so I am listening directly through my Wadia cd player preamp section into my amp and it sounds pretty darn good...and that has got me thinking again!
May I ask what solid state alternative you found? I am constantly nit-picking over my tube gear and I have to admit that, in the last few years, I have entertained the idea of finding no fuss solid state pieces that adequately bridge the gap between tube and ss. Presently, my tube preamp is having some work done and so I am listening directly through my Wadia cd player preamp section into my amp and it sounds pretty darn good...and that has got me thinking again!