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

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

+1 @mgrif104 ​​@maxwave 

Great hybrids like Vinnie Rossi Brama or Absolare Integrated Amplifier are likely costly. Since the OP didn’t mention budget, I’m assuming around 10-15k like their H600.  If so, then separate tube pre and SS amp may be the best affordable choice.

one thing to point out as this thread gets more comments 

the op question seems to assume all tube amps have a common sound -- it bears reminding us all that tube amps can sound VASTLY different, even fairly higher powered ones

vac, arc, vtl, vaic, c-j, music reference, mac's ...they all sound quite different, not to mention otl’s and berning style tube amps