Looking for warm SS amp (coming from pass, just tried CJ)

[tobiasrankin]

I have the pass x350.8 and its a great amp but I am looking for something warmer and more euphonic but that still retains the detail and clarity of possible. Running yamaha ns5000.

I recently was loaned a pair of Conrad Johnson LP140m monoblocks and in terms of tone and euphonics this is what I am looking for but the problem is I don't want to spend $500-1000 changing tubes every 2-3 years. So thats why I am trying to find something SS with similar sound quality. The Pass also has clarity, detail and dynamics the CJ doesn't have.

My current pre is bottlehead moreplay.

Budget is sub $20k,

 

[Gregadd]

Your tube estimate is a little bloated in price.
Nevertheless, Rowland Research would be an excellent choice.

You might want to consider some of the fine hybrid amps. They give the best of both worlds Moscode 402 AU. The name escapes me (Vinnie Rossi) but I heard a nice one in the Tidal room at this year's CAF.IIRC.

 

[XV-1]

If you like Pass and want some added tone - Pass Labs XA-160.8

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb1g86-pass-labs-xa-160-8-solid-state

 

[TDX]

I was using pass 260.8. Recently I upgraded to Pilium. It has warmth when the track has. Probably a bit more than your budget but worth the upgrade.

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...MSRP for the new Luxman M10x amp would be at your 20K threshold. I have two of the previous iteration (m900), which I quite like.

Luxman M-10X power amplifier

As I started to write this review, the news broke that Sound United, the owner of Boston Acoustics, Bowers & Wilkins, Classé, Definitive Technology, Denon, Marantz, and Polk, was going to be purchased by a corporation that makes medical instruments. Such consolidation is not new. China- and...

www.stereophile.com

Also a thread here on WBF:

Luxman new M-10X power amplifier

Luxman eventually launches a new power amplifier : M-10X ! The spec is very good : https://www.luxman.co.jp/product/m-10x Here is a Japanese review (pls read with google translate) : https://www.phileweb.com/review/article/image.php?id=4533&row=2

www.whatsbestforum.com

 

[christoph]

I have the pass x350.8 and its a great amp but I am looking for something warmer and more euphonic but that still retains the detail and clarity of possible. Running yamaha ns5000.

I recently was loaned a pair of Conrad Johnson LP140m monoblocks and in terms of tone and euphonics this is what I am looking for but the problem is I don't want to spend $500-1000 changing tubes every 2-3 years. So thats why I am trying to find something SS with similar sound quality. The Pass also has clarity, detail and dynamics the CJ doesn't have.

My current pre is bottlehead moreplay.

Budget is sub $20k,

Is buying used an option?
If yes, I would go Lamm M1.1 oder M1.2

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

what about theese

Electrocompaniet mono block amplifiers | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Electrocompaniet mono block amplifiers at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[tobiasrankin]

If you like Pass and want some added tone - Pass Labs XA-160.8

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb1g86-pass-labs-xa-160-8-solid-state

Ya definitely been considering XA series.

 

[tobiasrankin]

what about theese

Electrocompaniet mono block amplifiers | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Electrocompaniet mono block amplifiers at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I heard of this brand recommended for warm musical ss, will look into it, thx.

Is buying used an option?
If yes, I would go Lamm M1.1 oder M1.2

Are the LAMMs a warmer richer amp ?

...MSRP for the new Luxman M10x amp would be at your 20K threshold. I have two of the previous iteration (m900), which I quite like.

Luxman M-10X power amplifier

As I started to write this review, the news broke that Sound United, the owner of Boston Acoustics, Bowers & Wilkins, Classé, Definitive Technology, Denon, Marantz, and Polk, was going to be purchased by a corporation that makes medical instruments. Such consolidation is not new. China- and...

www.stereophile.com

Also a thread here on WBF:

Luxman new M-10X power amplifier

Luxman eventually launches a new power amplifier : M-10X ! The spec is very good : https://www.luxman.co.jp/product/m-10x Here is a Japanese review (pls read with google translate) : https://www.phileweb.com/review/article/image.php?id=4533&row=2

www.whatsbestforum.com

My understanding is luxman is fast, detailed and airy? Is it midrange rich and tonally heavy ?

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...funny, in that I usually read folks find Luxman stuff thick but musical...along those lines.

I think they are indeed fast, and rich tonally. Switching from RevelStudio2s to Magico A5s, there is more airiness, IMO. Same amps, so that reads as more of a speaker characteristic to me (in this system).

 

[christensenleif@msn.com]

Norwegian Electrocompaniet has been around since the 70s, when they came up with the Otala based 2 Channel audio power amplifier......single wire with gain

 

[DSkip]

Norma Audio. The IPA-140B or PA-150 are stunning pieces. I have and always will be a fan of the SET sound, but I’ve not had a tube in the system since getting the line. I am the US distributor.

These pieces have extremely low noise floors, especially for the price. For a budget of $20k, you could get the 140 integrated and do some major upgrades elsewhere to bring out its true potential, which far exceeds its $8000 price point.

 

[gleeds]

Circle Labs makes a hybrid amplifier with basically zero tube life issues. The current stage is solid-state with the voltage stage tube. The build quality is fantastic and the value exceptional, around $10k. Add their pre-amplifier for roughly another $7k and viola!

Colin King of Gestalt Audio in Nashville brings these amplifiers into the US and stands behind everything he sells. https://gestalt.audio/

From their site:

300 watts/channel into 4 ohms
Voltage amplification is provided by Siemens NOS triodes coupled via Supreme Silver/Gold/Oil capacitors.The power stages use the proprietary Circle Power system, made in a version for applications with high power and current.​

 

[Ron Resnick]

Warm solid-state? I nominate Vitus Class A amp.

 

[Tbzc]

I had many years ago BAT VK 600se which I liked a lot. Warm, musical. Maybe their new Rex 500 could be a great contender.

 

[LL21]

In my limited experience:
- Electrocompaniet (heard Nemos)
- Gryphon Class A amps (Antileon for example)
- Forte 4 (very old but great if you can find one)
- CJ Premier 350 (exceptionally good for money)

I would guess Lamm's solid state amp, Vitus.

 

[LL21]

And then if you want to go all out, my personal favorite to date is the Robert Koda K160 monos.

 

[Jeffy]

I’d rather have an amp that does not add or embellish the recording. In other wards if the recording has a beautiful tonality with natural warmth, I don’t want to add to this.

 

[Jeffy]

A great amp should give you whatever is on the recording. Some do add and some take away (lean out) the signal. Stay away from those.

 

[KeithR]

Rowland 625mk2 will give you that midrange bloom you are looking for in SS. I've owned the X350.8 and would never put the words "great" in a sentence with it. I actually think its a big departure from previous Pass sound. If you want classic Pass sound, the XA.5 series is probably the way to go.