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Any SS head amps that have tube like "warm" sound, especially in the treble

post #1 of 33
8/3/11 at 7:31pm
Thread Starter 

I know the obvious answer is, get a tube head amp, but I am looking at Tube Buffer + SS amp. Am aware of gd Audio "SA" versions but are there any other makes in current production? Under $1000 & pre amp or not is ok. TIA.

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

AKG K 701 White
post #2 of 33
8/3/11 at 7:47pm

A tube buffer and SS amp  output is generaly known as hybrid amps like the Little Dot 1+ or the Schiit  LYR

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post #3 of 33
8/3/11 at 7:48pm

Hmm, I bought my Matrix M-Stage based on the recommendation that it tends to be on the smooth size to balance out the somewhat treble happy AKG K701s.  I don't think it's ever been called "tube like", though.  The only solid stage amp that I've read about that gets almost universal praise is the Heed Audio Canamp, which is a major rarity nowadays and costs, like, $550 used, or something.

 

EDIT: Woops, I think I misunderstood the question.


Edited by One Fan To Another - 8/3/11 at 7:49pm
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post #4 of 33
8/3/11 at 8:15pm
Thread Starter 

Yes I know that but am looking at seperate units for maximum flexibility. Thanks though

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post #5 of 33
8/3/11 at 8:17pm
Thread Starter 

That is the kind of gear I am looking for, thanks for that. Will look into that model, seems it is still available @ $450 new.

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post #6 of 33
8/3/11 at 9:09pm

If you can track one down you can get a used Audio-GD ROC SA version. It has a very tube like sound but it can be pricey.

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post #7 of 33
8/3/11 at 9:59pm

AMB’s M3 is a warm sounding amp to my ears. Tweakable too with a bass boost option and op amp rolling abilities.

 

 

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post #8 of 33
8/3/11 at 11:24pm

The HifiMan EF5 is a SS / tube hybrid amp, which has a rich, warm, liquid sound.

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post #9 of 33
8/4/11 at 4:42am
Thread Starter 

That sounds like an interesting unit. Is there anyone who supplies a fully built amp? I have no soldering skills.

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post #10 of 33
8/4/11 at 4:49am
Thread Starter 

So far that is the leading contender, it is ideal, but wether it will be offered for sale is the unknown. Guess I will try some patience & see what comes up.

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post #11 of 33
8/4/11 at 6:33am

Q: Any SS head amps that have tube like "warm" sound, especially in the treble?

 

Answer: Naim Headline 2 or Graham Slee Solo SRG 2, both among the warmest amps that have a very tube like presentation. Both recommended for bright or treble oriented headphones.

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post #12 of 33
8/4/11 at 10:47am
Thread Starter 

Excellent, thanks, I will check them out.

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post #13 of 33
8/4/11 at 1:56pm

C.E.C. HD53N, not so well known here but I don't know why because it is a great sounding unit with nice midrange, smooth treble and rather big, wide and deep soundstage. It is also fully balanced.

Can be used as a balanced preamp as well but I haven't tried that.


Edited by padam - 8/4/11 at 1:57pm
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post #14 of 33
8/4/11 at 5:53pm
Thread Starter 

Looks like a really nice amp with some very good reviews but just a tad too pricey for my budget, thanks though.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by padam View Post

C.E.C. HD53N, not so well known here but I don't know why because it is a great sounding unit with nice midrange, smooth treble and rather big, wide and deep soundstage. It is also fully balanced.

Can be used as a balanced preamp as well but I haven't tried that.



 

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post #15 of 33
8/4/11 at 6:39pm

DarKu, I'd be interested in what power supply you heard the Headline 2 with... it's on my shortlist of headphone amps (as is the SRG, but I've owned Naim kit for 30 years), I'm currently thinking of pairing it with a Hi-Cap.
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by DarKu View Post

Q: Any SS head amps that have tube like "warm" sound, especially in the treble?

 

Answer: Naim Headline 2 or Graham Slee Solo SRG 2, both among the warmest amps that have a very tube like presentation. Both recommended for bright or treble oriented headphones.



 

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

AKG K 701 White
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