"warm" solid state integrated amplifier


I am interested in purchasing a new solid state integrated amplifier in the $6000 to $8000 price range. As I am getting older I am finding many amplifiers to be uncomfortable to my ears, "bright" is the term I see frequently used.  I am looking for an amplifier that is "warm".  Thank you and  I appreciate any advice I receive from Audiogon members.

 

tubeless

Twenty series Ayre or Aesthetix Mimas. Rugged, well engineered gear w great support from firms that will be around in the future... The Mimas is a hybrid w SS outputs.

I have Proac D-2 stand mount monitor speakers.  I would like to try new speakers in the future, possibly Fritz or JM Reynaud. I listen to classic rock and classical symphomy music. Thanks for taking the time to help me.  

If you are listening Symphony, warm sound does not sense. I think what you really need is laid back music instead of forward music.

You better go with class A amplifier,which in fact in some way of tube amp replacement.

Go listening Jeff rawland and see if it is what you ask?

Luxman, and Ayre are going to be where you want to go in that price range. 

Parasound is also warm, but at the cost of loss of detail and control. 

The particular sounds that are "uncomfortable" aren’t just "bright" and your amp may not even be the biggest factor. You will make a lot more improvement eliminating small problems in a number of areas rather than trying to cure it all with one amp. At 64 I am well down the same road and know what I’m talking about.

 

A lot of the problem is ringing. Everything rings, the trick is to dissipate vibrations as quickly and uniformly as possible. Springs are great at this. Nobsound springs are cheap yet extremely effective. Townshend Pods are even better and in most cases would be recommended #1 for someone in your price range. With your particular concern however I think you really should try Nobsound first.

 

This is because Nobsound are more sensitive to tuning the sound by changing the number of springs or total load per spring. The difference is easy to hear and it allows a much wider range of adjustment than anything you will find with any amp. We are talking the difference between the most annoying solid state and the most syrupy smooth tube amps you can find.

 

Simply by changing the number of springs per footer, or the number of footers per component, you will be able to fine tune each one. The beauty of this is it is a two-fer: you get both better details and dynamics AND smoother more pleasant sound.

 

Not bad for $30/set.