which hybrid integrated amp sounds the most like a full tube amp?


currently pairing a hegel h600 with B&Ws 805d4s

looking to try something new and tubey sounding

was thinking mcintosh ma 352 or aesthetix mimas

basically looking for very tubey sound while maintaining the solid state power my speakers require

 

 

 

 

audiocanada

I have 805D4 in one of my systems and have run them with both a prima luna integrated- no problem at all, and an Audio Research REF75SE- great combo- and- the ARC btw doesn't really sound "tubey", it sounds clear with a big soundstage and plenty of bass. I also run them with an Odyssey power amp @ 150 rms. If you're looking for more warmth it may by more due to the speakers than the amp. The previous 805D3 I had were pretty dry and not very musical. The D4 cured that issue and now they're pretty neutral imo but other brands can give you more warmth. A Pass integrated or pwoer amp would be a great match for the 805D4, I had a 250.8 for a couple of years and it does have a "tubey" but punchy sound. 

I would keep things separate, and try a tube preamp. My path led me to Vintage, full featured, including two MM Phono inputs.

I start with a Chase RLC-1 remote line controller for remote volume, balance, and mute so I can retain everything wonderful from before remote control days..

A couple of thoughts for the OP:

You might consider the Vinnie Rossi Brama integrated. On the pricey side, though you didn’t specifically indicate a budget. I believe it meets all your criteria.

Had I not already been well down the road with T+A HV gear, it would have been on my must audition at home list. I’ve heard it at shows (terrible place to audition gear) and came away impressed enough that it would be a contender. Spectacular build quality and powerful enough to drive pretty much anything. 

On the warmish side of neutral and with the smoothness of tubes would be the T+A PA 3100 HV. While I’ve gone their separates route (a decision driven by purchasing their DAC w/ a preamp built in), I had one in system for a couple of years which i thoroughly enjoyed. Like the VR, spectacular build quality and enough power (and current) to easily drive anything. The T+A HV line has a warmer sonic quality than the Hegel. I’m familiar with the Hegel sound as I own one in a TV theater system. Great gear.  

@mgrif104 

++  ´´You might consider the Vinnie Rossi Brama integrated. On the pricey side, though you didn’t specifically indicate a budget. I believe it meets all your criteria. ´´

I had Vincent hybrid 736? I really liked... very musical, powerful and good value