Solid State to replace Tube Amp - Suggestions

[replytoken]

We may be doing a bit of room rearrangement and I may need to relocate my integrated tube amplifer back on to a shelf in an audio cabinet. The amp is a Jolida 302B and I truly enjoy its sound, but it will not fit into the cabinet. Does anybody have suggestions for a solid state integrated amp that has a "tube like" sound, and that sells for under $1k? The amp is powering a pair of Rega Jura floorstanding speakers. I was considering Regas two integrated amps, but I have not yet heard them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kuma]

Naim Nait 5.

 

[replytoken]

While Naim has been suggested to me by several dealers, it is a bit more than what I had wanted to spend. Can you tell me what it is about the Naim that you like?

 

[Ferbose]

How about those Jolida Hybrids?
If you like Jolida sound, why not stick with JD1501?
Otherwise NAD amps seem pretty good as well.

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by replytoken While Naim has been suggested to me by several dealers, it is a bit more than what I had wanted to spend. Can you tell me what it is about the Naim that you like?

replytoken

I meant the discontinued Nait5. It can be had around or less than a grand at the used market.
I don't think Nait 5 will sound like your Jolida, but Nait 5 is dynamic as any entry level valve amp and has a spacious inviting midrange with warmish tonal balance.

Alternative would be a Nait2. ( another rosy sounding solid state )

The rest of Naits including a current Nait 5i sounds a lot different from a Nait 5.

p.s. note that I don't particularly care for those two Naits I've recommended. But figure if you like the Jolida you might like them.

In any case, a Nait should be a good match with your Rega speakers.

 

[chadh]

Does it need to be solid state? How about a hybrid? The Unison Research Unico might work, used.

Alternatively, how about a Red Wine Clari-T? It's only 6w into 8 ohms (or about 10w into 6 ohms), and likes high sensitivity speakers. The Juras, with 90dB sensitivity and 5ohm impedence might be marginal - but I'd contact Vinnie Rossi at redwineaudio.com and ask him. The Clari-T gets rave reviews and often leaves tube-guys completely satisfied. Plus it's TINY, and well under your $1000 (around $400 or $500 I think).

If you wanted more tubiness, you could even add a (small) tubed pre-amp, and ask Vinnie to leave out the volume control on the Clari-T. You could look for a used Dodd Audio ELP (entry level pre-amp). They're discontinued now, but used to retail for $450, so you can get them cheaply used. Or maybe the entry level Space-Tech-labs pre (retails for $400).

Chad

 

[cpw]

I've also heard great things about the Unico but don't recall whether that fits in your budget or not.
TTVJ might have an NAD; I've always found most of their stuff good value though a few pieces had display lighting issues. Still, pretty good power for the $$$.
Good luck.
CPW

 

[jpr703]

I'd also suggest looking into used Naim gear.

 

[replytoken]

These are some good suggestions that I will have to research. I do not mean to head in another direction, but could anybody describe how Bryston's B-60 sounds? They seem well built and have a loyal following, but I am not certain about their sound. It has been described in too many different ways by reviewers who seem to be paid by the word.

 

[kuma]

replytoken,

Rega's Mira or Brio makes sense, too.
They'll mate well with your speakers.
A B-60 is a good amp.
But you are not going to get the finesse and warm tonal balance.

 

[tyrion]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuma replytoken, Rega's Mira or Brio makes sense, too. They'll mate well with your speakers.

I owned the Mira 3 for a while and it does mate well with Rega products. The prices on audiogon are great on both the Mira 3 and Brio. However, I wouldn't consider it "tube like" as replytoken requested.

 

[kuma]

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyrion I owned the Mira 3 for a while and it does mate well with Rega products. The prices on audiogon are great on both the Mira 3 and Brio. However, I wouldn't consider it "tube like" as replytoken requested.

True.
A Nait 5 would come closer.
Unico is actually a good reco.
They are slow as Jolida.

 

[mrarroyo]

If you could get your hands on an old Adcom amp and matching preamp you would have a very nice combo. They came in basically 3 ratings: 65wpc, 100wpc, or 200wpc. I think they even made a 300wpc.

Your best bang would be in the 100wpc and recently there was one for sale in the amps for sale section here.