Mini amp with passlabs / tube like sound


Hello,

 

i am looking for a small low wattage amp, preferably solid state (as I’ve been burning out too many tube amps) for my dining room setup with home made open baffle speakers. 
 

The speakers work well with tubes and a small set amp, have been using the small amp from musical paradise, but I’m open to suggestions. 
 

what would make a good small simple amp with a set tube like sound? 
 

thanks,

Richard 

whyrichard

First Watt Sit 4 $5,000 - Nelson Pass designed, all solid state, brilliant amp if you only need 10 watts

A Rega Io would fit the bill. Lower powered, sweet sounding solid state amp. You would be surprised how good it is. 

 

 

I have a similar setup speaker wise, and I have been using the Schiit gjallarhorn power amp. It is very neutral and at $300 it's a real bargain. I wanted a little more power so I bought a second - you can run the L/R outputs together to double the power (8 ohms). I believe the circuit topology provides a class A'ish sound, and the amp is marketed as a near-field device. Solid state, inexpensive, made in the USA, 5 year warranty. I would shy away from the Chinese bargains on fleabay.

I second the rec for the Pass XA25. Hard to do better if your speakers are at least 90dB in sensitivity. 
 

I don’t own one any longer but have fond memories of this amp, probably more than any other. Might buy one again someday.