What's the best tube sounding solid state amp?

John Casler · « **Reply #60 on:** 29 Aug 2003, 08:13 pm »

Quote from: bboplive

What's the best 'tube sounding' solid state amp for driving a VMPS RM-40 loudspeaker? I would like recommendations on SS amps that have a liquid smooth midrange that have enough power to drive an RM40. Thanks.

Bboplive,

SInce it is difficult to really answer what SS amp sounds like tubes on the RM40, I think I might answer that many find the AMPzilla 2K has the accuracy and midrange with the lack of grain and etched highs sometimes associated with SS.

It is one incredible amp with "any" VMPS product.

It is especially effective, in a "tubelike sense", when used with a "tube" preamp.

I think Josh has stated that his Spectron Musician II also has some of those same qualities.

dr-gotsoul · « **Reply #61 on:** 29 Aug 2003, 09:00 pm »

hi audio friends,i am a new member.and would like to know what you think of this combo-i am using a specton digital-1 with a pair of vmps rm-40.2.just bought the speakers-how long for the speakers to break in and is this a good match?any comments?

doug s. · « **Reply #62 on:** 30 Aug 2003, 04:24 pm »

bbop, here's yer amps:

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstran&1067303489

may look into trying to find a pair off-shore, & conwert 'em from 220 to 120. the ones on agon are a decent deal, but the ones from overseas are generally a *lot* cheaper...

doug s.

Dozer · « **Reply #63 on:** 30 Aug 2003, 07:00 pm »

Coda/Continuum amps are sleepers, and are very very warm sounding. I had a McCormack DNA .5 and spewed it from my mouth - it was extremely solid state sounding after having a Continuum Stage amp (2K list, about 750-900 on used market. Same for the Parasound HCA2200 II. It was ok, but SOLIDSTATEY to the max. Coda/Continuum (ex Threshold engineers started it) makes just really great sounding SS gear - can make you forget about tubes alltogether.

They don't have much of an internet hype machine going - but there aren't very many "former" Coda users that I've met. Give them a try - check out Six Moons for a review of their Unison integrated amp. I have one and it's just awesome.

arthur · « **Reply #64 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 12:43 am »

perhaps using the word "tube like" was not precise enough to indicate what i meant. generally what i like most about tube amps is smoother transfer (what can also be called "liquid") and lack of grain. if this is all you like in tubes but also want the positive aspects of solid state than i believe giving the Stratos a try might be a good idea... especially if you don't want to spend more than $3k on an amp.

however, yes tubes do affect the sound in some other ways that i might prefer in some music (e.g. violin solos) and find lacking in others (e.g. heavier end of metal and edgy jazz). this is why i decided to go with solid state (although efficiency and lack of maintenance were also important in my decision making). if you don't agree than i don't see why you would ever want to go with a solid state amp. no solid state amp will ever sound just like a tube amp.

than again i'm using the Scott Nixon Tube Dac+ which might affect my judgement

doug s. · « **Reply #65 on:** 3 Sep 2003, 12:02 pm »

hey art, if ya like the toob sound, but don't wanna give up the accuracy, extension, & slam of a s/s amp, try this, you'll never go back to a s/s amp - amhik!

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?ampstube&1067465350

doug s.

arthur · « **Reply #66 on:** 4 Sep 2003, 12:00 am »

tempting, but for now i'm too buisy enjoying the Stratos ... thanks for the heads up though

ps. not to get of the topic too much, but how comfortable are you people with purchasing such expencive equipment from a complete stranger and having it be shipped without a manufacturer warranty to cover any kind of equipment damage from vibration, drops, etc.
i always feel very nervous paying over a few hundred dollars for used equipment without seeing, hearing, and driving it home myself.

Guan · « **Reply #67 on:** 4 Sep 2003, 12:35 am »

doug,

That sure looks familiar

Mind you, the Baron does run quite hot and requires 2 power cords. On the other hand, due to having high gain, it's a natural match for a passive preamp

But my Baron is in the cupboard. With a new baby on the way, tubes are a no-no in the living room

aaird · « **Reply #68 on:** 4 Sep 2003, 03:08 am »

Well, I've not been burned yet. Of course, shipping insurnce is a must. People with good feedback online is a must in my book, it means they will make the deal right. Still, there remains a possibility of being burned, but you can reduce the risk. One way to improve your chances with shipping electronics is to avoid the companies (which I won't name publicly) that like to destroy packages. U will surely figure out which company I mean. Personally, I never use them. Seriously, use someone else.

Andrew

doug s. · « **Reply #69 on:** 4 Sep 2003, 01:20 pm »

Quote from: aaird

...One way to improve your chances with shipping electronics is to avoid the companies (which I won't name publicly) that like to destroy packages. U will surely figure out which company I mean. Personally, I never use them. Seriously, use someone else.

Andrew

*any* shipping company will destroy packages that aren't packed properly. any company will also deliver packages in good shape that *are* packed properly. almost all shipping damage is due to improper packing - amhik...

doug s.