What's the best tube sounding solid state amp?

warnerwh · « **on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:29 am »

I'd like recommendations on SS amps that have a liquid smooth midrange. It must have at least 200wpc and under 2k used. TIA

MGDeWulf · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:40 am »

Quote from: warnerwh

I'd like recommendations on SS amps that have a liquid smooth midrange. It must have at least 200wpc and under 2k used. TIA

Your $2K used price point used does limit things, but I'd start with Dave Belles Power Modules 350A (updated), or Bryston ST4B. Two very good power amps, that when set-up optimally have a very liquid and dimensional midrange and a lot of power.

With a little lesss power, but costing less too, for sonics the ME555MkII by ME Sound is superb, especially into a 4 Ohm load - a mega sleeper.

Marty

jackman · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:48 am »

Hi Marty,
I'm happy you have stayed with this site. Hopefully, all of the people who came over during the Parasound "discussion" will join this site and contribute on a regular basis. It's fun to hear about brands that don't get much discussion around here and you seem to know about quite a few.

Jack

Marbles · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:55 am »

Here's some info on the ME amps..

http://www.me-au.com/amps.htm

Trevor Wilson was always VERY knowledgeable about all types of amps, and this was his favorite brand so he became a dealer.

Hantra · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 02:35 am »

I've recently discovered Plinius myself. Since you make the 200 watt distinction, I'd recommend the Plinius 8200MkII wholeheartedly.

The midrange is very smooth, and quite forward. I am torn between the absolute linearity, extension, deafening silence, lightening speed, and tube midrange of the Nixon amps. . And the excellent, forward midrange, and artificially beautiful highs of the Plinius.

warnerwh · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 02:46 am »

Thanks for the input guys. Looks like the LLano and Belles have the best possibilities. The ME Sound seems like a good possibility but where can I get one used? Also I could go to 150wpc minimum if that helps as music listening is usually only at moderately loud levels on my VMPS Supertower/R SE's. What I'm looking for is something that can make the tad bit of midrange dryness go away. I'm using a fully modded Kenwood KT 7500 tuner which is 25 years old that has attributes in the midrange that even the Dac in my Krell HTS can't seem to match with CD's. I'd try a dac but have had problems in the past with the overfiltering they seem to do. The Cal Audio Alpha was the only one that worked. I've used Theta, MSB III and the Cal Audio. The slow rolled off sound of most dacs is not appealing. Any other ideas and I'm all ears.

Marbles · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 03:02 am »

Trevor can send you new or used ME's (the prices shown were in Australian $$$). The question is where would you get one fixed if it needed it without having to ship it back to Oz?

The AVA amps are supposed to be very smoooooooth, I haven't heard them though..man I have to get out more....

cyounkman · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 03:43 am »

I agree with Hantra on the Plinius recommendation. For 2k, you might be able to find am 8200 power amp or a 100-series amp. Copland's current ss amp is fiarly warm sounding as well, although it's 125 wpc.

Iced Halo · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 07:51 am »

Hi all,

Quite strange to see ME Sound mentioned on these boards since they are a rather small Australian company! I'm thinking of getting a new amp too, has anyone compared the ME's to something like a Pass X-series amp, Krell, ML etc? I have heard from an owner of a ME550 II that it is not tube-sounding at all, but rather bright. Is this the case?

Cheers!

Tyson · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 08:23 am »

Van Alstine 550ex, smoothest midrange I've heard from an amp that uses solid state output devices. 250 watts in to 8ohms and doubles to 500 watts in to 4 ohms. Since it's a hybrid tube/SS design, changing the tubes will let you contour the sound somewhat to your tastes. . .

Jay S · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 10:16 am »

Try the Acoustic Reality eAR digital amps. The LE2 model is Euro 999 and puts out 110w@8ohms, 220w@4 ohms. The biggest eAR Two model puts out about double the power, and is about Euro 2,700. These are brand new prices. I think Roopaudio has a used eARTwo for sale for about $2k.

I have had my eAR Two for about a year now and love it. An audiophile friend here in HK has the big Symphonic Line monoblocks and thinks highly of my amp. My eAR Two is the Mk 1 version, the current Mk II version is said to be a bit better.

aaird · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 12:28 pm »

This is a Chinese monoblock that some believe is the best SS amp China produces, at least according to their trade shows and awards. You need two of them for stereo of course.

Price is about $750 each, or will be in the upcoming group purchase of chinese high end gear. This is the information from the last Group Purchase that occured in April. http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=59058
It is called the SP991. For $2K you can also get the matching dual mono highend Preamp called the SA91. This will include shipping to your door.
http://www.shengya-audio.com/prod/hifi/sa-91en.htm
The reason for being interested is that this combo normally will cost between $5K and $7K from most European and South American Dealers. The downside is you will have to wait at least a couple of months after you order, since they must be manufactured and then put on a slow boat from china. The other downside is warranty, which although it is ten years, must be sent back to china in order to get a repair, so don't plan on it. Email me if you would like to know more.

Andrew

audiojerry · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 12:47 pm »

Isn't too much emphasis being placed on watts? Shouldn't currrent, power supply, and capacitance take equal importance. I've heard enough wimpy high wattage amps, and similarly powerful low wattage amps.

I've just spent a lot of time with an 80wpc Unison Research Unico, and it seemed like this little integrated could drive just about anything without a problem.

Hantra · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:12 pm »

Quote

Isn't too much emphasis being placed on watts? Shouldn't currrent, power supply, and capacitance take equal importance.

Well, that's interesting b/c I have been giving equal time to my Nixon amps, and the Plinius. The Plinius will put 300 watts into 4, and the Nixons are about 40+ watts. They play louder than the Plinius. Don't clip at all, whereas the Plinius will get nasty, AND they control the bass better. . .

b

warnerwh · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:32 pm »

"Isn't too much emphasis being placed on watts? Shouldn't currrent, power supply, and capacitance take equal importance. I've heard enough wimpy high wattage amps, and similarly powerful low wattage amps. "

Thanks Audiojerry for the help. I'm quite aware of this and am researching every amp suggested just to make sure that the power supplies are upto snuff. Just emailed Val Alstine regarding their hybrids for just that reason. That's why I think the LLano Trinity is on the top of my list for now. It's important as my system is integrated (Stereo/Hometheater) and I like to listen to fairly loud volumes at times. Also the big VMPS's seem to like plenty of current, at least the last two sets have. I'm surprised nobody has suggested Conrad Johnson. Seems like they used to be highly regarded and tubes were their thing. They also made some hybrids I believe. I don't read much of the audiopress anymore. I gave up on Stereophile. Tried subscribing to the Absolute sound on their web page and it wouldn't let me. Have Bound for Sound coming though and am looking forward to unbiased reviews.

JackD · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 01:46 pm »

Warner

Before you get to interested in the Llano's you might want to check the archives on Agon and AA in reference to others experiences with Randy and his service history. Though no one ever disputes his products abilities there seems to be quite a bit of contoversy about his business dealings and service level. Might also want to look into the Blue Circle hybrids, another variation on the Fet Valve and Llano theme

Jack

MGDeWulf · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 02:39 pm »

Quote from: Iced Halo

Hi all,

Quite strange to see ME Sound mentioned on these boards since they are a rather small Australian company! I'm thinking of getting a new amp too, has anyone compared the ME's to something like a Pass X-series amp, Krell, ML etc? I have heard from an owner of a ME550 II that it is not tube-sounding at all, but rather bright. Is this the case?

Cheers!

Hello Iced, et al:
I've had extensive experience with the with the ME 555, and the Pass 250. First of all, the Pass X250 costs about four times what the ME does. On an absolute basis, the Pass Sounds better than the ME (but the ME is close, very close). The ME that I had (one of my reviewers purchased one) was in no way bright. If anything, the highs are a little forgiving, but still extended to the point of being very realistic. It is a great little amp. Note that there is a high current version of the ME 555 that costs a little more. It is outstanding if you have a 4 Ohm speaker. If you have an 8 Ohm speaker, the high current option is not necessay.

As far as getting the amp fixed, I know that ME had been having discussions with a person in Kentucky to be their importer and start servicing the products. I do not know if that worked out, however.

Marty

warnerwh · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 03:30 pm »

JackD: Thanks for the heads up. I wouldn't buy a product from a company like that especially when there are plenty of good companies to deal with. Thanks again to everyone for your help.

rkapadia@ROOP · « **Reply #18 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 04:54 pm »

Just wanted to pass along a recommendation for the old Pass Labs Aleph series - now discontinued, but I think these amps are the smoothest analog I've listened to, on par with the best digital type amplifiers.

There are some downsides with the Aleph:
1) they're relatively large, and extremely heavy (especially the monoblocks)
2) you can fry eggs on them
3) being class A, they're not energy efficient at all

Still, I find myself more an "SET" kind of person, and had no problems with the Alephs in my system for an extended period of time.

Regards

Rup

MGDeWulf · « **Reply #19 on:** 26 Aug 2003, 05:03 pm »

Quote from: warnerwh

"It's Also the big VMPS's seem to like plenty of current, at least the last two sets have. ...

If you have the RM40 speakers, you MUST audition the Pass X250. The combination is synergistic to the extreme - It's my reference! (and I've heard a lot of stuff) I'm even working on a special set of speaker wires that are incredible with that amp and speaker. They'll set you back all of $20 or so - can't be touched.

Marty
PS. Contrary to what some have said, you don't drive the RM40 with just any old amp - the speaker will eat it up (I've experienced it with some big name amps) It has special requirements....but when it all comes together, oh baby!!!