I put together an inexpensive summer SS set up recently that has changed my mindset on SS in a good way. The pre a 1991 Yamaha CX-630, amp a 1992 Yamaha MX-630; with a Denon DVD-2930ci from 2008. All 3 units cost me $400.00. Naturally I didn’t expect more than a so-so system to get me through the summer months, what I have is a totally euphoric and engaging system that I haven’t detected any weaknesses or sonic flaws. In fact, it’s making my bass much faster as are my 2.5’s. The soundstage is pretty much the same, huge and with no walls. The detail is all there as is the finesse and note rise and decay. Trust me, I have really tried to find flaws and haven’t, I’ve tried with classical, rock, jazz, soul, r&b, fusion, pop, and it’s all good. My tube system is very good, an Audio Research VS 110, Modified Bottlehead Foreplay II pre and a Ah! Tjoeb 99 CD player. It might be a little softer and a bit warmer and sounds fuller at lower spl’s, the SS set-up gets its groove on starting around 85 dB’s.
I’m still dumbfounded and pleased at the same time