Is there a Solid State amp that can satisfy a SET guy?


Have been a SET guy for so long I have forgotten what a good SS amp even sounds like.
Just bought a pair of $33k speakers that will replace my current $16k speakers. Both are from the same designer and both are 92db and a flat 8 ohms. The new ones arrive in 4 days!
My 300B based amps well drive my current speakers even though I do use the system nightly as a 2 channel home theater. Especially considering the HT usage, I think I may enjoy a SS amp with many times the horsepower. The speaker designer suggests using a Leema Hydra II. I have written to Leema telling them of my 300B preference and they assure me that their amp does not have the destructive harmonics that make a SS amp bright. There must be other SS amps that can satisfy?
mglik
Hi again, David. I would add that it follows from what I said about output transformer quality (and various other factors as well) that generally speaking I would expect a 211 or 845 amp to cost a great deal more than a 300B amp providing comparable sonic quality.

Good luck in your search! Best,
-- Al

@almarg  Al, Yes indeed! Those price differentials!!! : )

I'm also curious about the comments on Parallel builds of the 211 /845 being superior to single tube 211/845 based amplification?




I'm also curious about the comments on Parallel builds of the 211 /845 being superior to single tube 211/845 based amplification?

I can't shed any light on that, David.  Best,
-- Al

I would second the recommendation of your friend regarding the Alephs being SS amps that are closest to tubes. They are "single ended transistor" designs. But to sound their best, your speakers need a nominal (not just recommended) impedance of better than 4 Ohms. And for HT, you would likely need close to 100W for a large to medium room. I’ve been using the Aleph 2 monos since the mid 90s. Used them for 2.1 audio and for HT and other setups. No harshness and there is a sweet midrange. They do get hot. But so do tubes.