nixon76 Posted September 7, 2010 Posted September 7, 2010 A recent post by Gortnipper had me thinking. For the tube diehards, what is the one (or two) solid state amps that might just tempt you away (money no object). Similarly for the solid-state-or-die crowd, are there any tube amps that would test your fatal mantra? For me it would be a PassLabs XA.5 series, or a Luxman b-1000f. (PS my strict pigeon holding of tube/ss diehards is a little bit of trolling - I don't think many would be so black and white about it )
NeilNZ Posted September 7, 2010 Posted September 7, 2010 Hmmm... Well its difficult for me as I own one of each category. SS it has to be the Pass XA series, and probably the Lavardin stuff Tubes it can only be Shindo/Leben/Kondo/maybe a Luxman SQ38u
Guest Guest Posted September 7, 2010 Posted September 7, 2010 nixon76;132451 wrote: A recent post by Gortnipper had me thinking. For the tube diehards, what is the one (or two) solid state amps that might just tempt you away (money no object). Similarly for the solid-state-or-die crowd, are there any tube amps that would test your fatal mantra? For me it would be a PassLabs XA.5 series, or a Luxman b-1000f. (PS my strict pigeon holding of tube/ss diehards is a little bit of trolling - I don't think many would be so black and white about it ) Hi Nix, Ok I'll take the bait and start the ball rolling! SS: Audio Consulting of Switzerland Mono Blocks--- the only SS Amps I consider superior to the Dartzeel--and it's no slouch. Tube: Tube Research--In a league of their own-more slam than a big Krell My 2 cents Des
Guest Posted September 7, 2010 Posted September 7, 2010 SS: Lavardin IT Toobs: the big 4-chassis Jadis, masochists only.
Omegaspeedy Posted September 7, 2010 Posted September 7, 2010 Tubes, I guess these as they are made with true love.
Luis1553552738 Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 And I'll have whatever tube amps they sell at Harvey Norman.
Robocop Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 What is the point of this post? I suppose to create a dream like state. People who like valves are like labour party voters they vote for them regardless and unlikely to change until death.
ilikecrumpets Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 omegaspeedy;132488 wrote: Tubes, I guess these as they are made with true love. There can be no greater love, than ValvLuv http://www.thephotographer.co.nz/commercial/valvluv.html
nixon76 Posted September 9, 2010 Author Posted September 9, 2010 Robocop;132595 wrote: What is the point of this post? Some people got the point it seems :rolleyes: Robocop;132595 wrote: I suppose to create a dream like state. What's wrong with dreaming? :confused: Robocop;132595 wrote: People who like valves are like labour party voters they vote for them regardless and unlikely to change until death. Please read the forum rules about the discussion of politics.
Hifi Si Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 Pass X power and pre! Bugger, I already have them Pass phono stage is sounding pretty cool at the mo as well
T110 Posted September 9, 2010 Posted September 9, 2010 Still thinking:o I feel like a kid in a lollie shop, all of the above and more!! Will think think think some more but at the mo I lean toward Audio Note for Valves.
hal551553552752 Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 Easy, the valve amps that got me hooked on hifi in the first place, EAR 509s. Made music sound more like music than anything I've ever heard since. Current solid state amp is a Jungson JA99C which i love to death, can't see anything SS tempting me away from it. Hal55
Luckiestmanalive Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 I am a SS trooper who does not have enough knowledge of valve gear to be able to covet a one amp over another. Financial circumstances being what they are at the moment means ignorance is bliss...
damocles Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 I am currently on the fence between the two. Looking to audition a Pass Labs XA30.5 and a couple of Lebens. (and possibly even a Leben pre with the XA30.5)
Hifi Si Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 For what it is worth, I am pretty happy with my X350.5. I was deciding between that and the XA160.5 but I had an email chat with Nelson Pass and decided on the 350. I doubt that the 30.5 would have enough drive for my speakers. If I had some high efficiency speakers, then they could be the go. I opened up the XP10 pre now that it is out of warranty with doing some mod upgrades in mind... Nope, I just put the cover back on as Nelson and Wayne have already done it all....
NeilNZ Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 Honestly the XA30.5 can drive a lot more than what people think. When I replaced my Perreaux 350P with it, there was no loss of head room or dynamic range at all. In fact one of the major benefits of it was that I didn't have to drive the amp as hard to get to the sweet spot... I reckon a Leben Pre with an XA30.5 would be fantastic!
damocles Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 neil;132724 wrote: Honestly the XA30.5 can drive a lot more than what people think. When I replaced my Perreaux 350P with it, there was no loss of head room or dynamic range at all. In fact one of the major benefits of it was that I didn't have to drive the amp as hard to get to the sweet spot... I reckon a Leben Pre with an XA30.5 would be fantastic! Good to know, the current plan is to try that combo with some Harbeth SHL5s (and maybe some others). Then compare it to the horn speaker route
kaka Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 Time for some sacrilege - I preferred the Leben 660 (valve) to the Pass XA30 after a little listening at Muriwai
kaka Posted September 10, 2010 Posted September 10, 2010 Living Voice, I already had them so I didn't spend time checking out the Harbeths.
Voxshall Posted September 16, 2010 Posted September 16, 2010 What I would love to listen too. SS - Solution. Tube - LAMM ML3.
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