Thread: Fast solid state amplifier suggestiontions / recommendations

Hello All ,

im looking to see if anyone can suggest a brand of solid state amplifier that is similar to Spectral. In terms of transparency , speed and neutrality.

I like Spectral but , have doubts about the MIT cables. Is there another brand with a similar sound and or design philosophy ? without having to use networked cables.

Constellation ? Soulution ?

Thanks

Sorry in advance for typos... on my iPhone..

What are you planning to use them to drive , best to match amp to load ....

Originally Posted by a.wayne

What are you planning to use them to drive , best to match amp to load ....

I'd have to say their respective matching pre amplifiers. I wouldn't mix and match brands etc... Although I was thinking about using a DAC with volume control going straight into the amplifier. But, I don't think I want to go that route.

I was mostly addressing speaker load , Pre-amp matching and cables is also something to look into , mostly a tonal/Timbre issue when thats off ....

Originally Posted by a.wayne

I was mostly addressing speaker load , Pre-amp matching and cables is also something to look into , mostly a tonal/Timbre issue when thats off ....

Oh, in that regard. My speakers are YG Carmel 2.

Soulution. It's amazing. Constellation is not "fast". Maybe new boulder 2000 series but I haven't heard it-just the old stuff.


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Berning quadrature...they are as fast, clean, great bass, and with a valve harmonic but without the noise

Technical Brain


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Thanks to all for your suggestions and recommendations.

Originally Posted by Dth31

Caveat: that was using my VAC Master preamp, NOT a Constellation preamp. That might make a difference?

Unless things changed in the "II" version, the answer is no

Originally Posted by AJ Soundfield

The Bruno Putzey designed Hypex NCores are the best SOTA Class D on the market today IMO.
Rowland, Merrill, Nord, et al
An "amplifier", vs a special effects processor...if that is one's goal. Transparent and very powerful into any reasonable load.

+1

Should I also consider Ayre Acoustics ?

Devialet D1000 - sounds really great with YG!


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I've auditioned the CH gear, Solution, Audionet and own Ayre. Of the gear I listed I'd probably break them down like this:
Ayre
Solution
Audionet
CH (not my favorite at all, but many love them)

I'd own any of the top three I think. I also feel that you can have speed AND musicality and micro/macro detail. That's why I love Ayre. I think it's one of the best buys in audio in each of it's price ranges. I also really have enjoyed Dan Dagistino's new amps, but haven't heard them on speakers I love. Hard to fully tell.

I have had Spectral in my system for a long time in the past. I always felt it was a bit cold. I had a pair of MIT 770 MH that was tuned to my tube amps. It's the same wire they use for the Spectral gear. It's a great cable and I recently sold it to a happy buyer. I personally feel that if any component is known for any one or two things, that it's not great.

That's just me. The only way to know what to put in the system if obviously listening. Trust your ear and not our ears. We all hear differently and love what WE love or know.

Originally Posted by Ctsooner

I've auditioned the CH gear, Solution, Audionet and own Ayre. Of the gear I listed I'd probably break them down like this:
Ayre
Solution
Audionet
CH (not my favorite at all, but many love them)

I'd own any of the top three I think. I also feel that you can have speed AND musicality and micro/macro detail. That's why I love Ayre. I think it's one of the best buys in audio in each of it's price ranges. I also really have enjoyed Dan Dagistino's new amps, but haven't heard them on speakers I love. Hard to fully tell.

I have had Spectral in my system for a long time in the past. I always felt it was a bit cold. I had a pair of MIT 770 MH that was tuned to my tube amps. It's the same wire they use for the Spectral gear. It's a great cable and I recently sold it to a happy buyer. I personally feel that if any component is known for any one or two things, that it's not great.

That's just me. The only way to know what to put in the system if obviously listening. Trust your ear and not our ears. We all hear differently and love what WE love or know.

Thanks but have you heard any of the modern/ current spectral gear ? If so how would you rank against those brands in your list ?

Originally Posted by mdp632

Thanks but have you heard any of the modern/ current spectral gear ? If so how would you rank against those brands in your list ?

At Overture and Goodwin's. I still feel it's a bit cold for ME. Others feel that it's the fastest amp etc...I personally don't hear that. I do hear an amp that leaves me a bit cold. I would probably say:
Ayre
Solution
Audionet
Spectral
CH

Other will list totally differently. I'm highly opinionated as most who read my posts know, but at least I get out and listen to a ton of gear. I also speak with a lot of dealers over the US and hear them complain about the quality of some of the companies out there. I have been in three different dealers over the last two years and have seen some of the top rated and selling pieces in for repairs. From digital to amps. Different reasons, so it scares me IRT quality control. Companies may have a bad run due to a bad cap or display, but they will take care of that quickly and quietly if they are a strong company, but when you see all different problems you get concerned. I have also looked into the quality of a component and not just because it has a really nice case etc... Just look on the net and listen, but ask the dealers what they would own and keep an open mind. I did that when I wanted to change over to SS a few years ago and I can't do tubes anymore even though I love so many tube designed gear.

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Feel the same way about Ayre, quite a good blend of musicality, speed and definition.


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I noticed you also own a Pass INT-60. How would you compare the Ayre sound to the Pass? Btw, I also have the INT-60 but, looking for something different as initial post stated.

Thanks

Originally Posted by mdp632

I noticed you also own a Pass INT-60. How would you compare the Ayre sound to the Pass? Btw, I also have the INT-60 but, looking for something different as initial post stated.

Thanks

Looking forward to this answer. I have spent a fair amount of time with the Pass integrated amps and have my own impression (mostly positive).

I'm a former drummer, so I understand what you like to hear believe me. I too find the Pass gear a bit too dark for my tastes long term. I don't know if they are slow, but they do round out things a bit for my tastes. Many folks say he makes tube like SS, but to me that's not what it really is, it's just a bit dark and rounded. Personally, I like it much better than some of the other stuff that's hyper etched etc... This is one reason I love the Ayre gear. I also like many other pieces of SS gear that I've heard, but all of it is much more expensive than the Ayre in various sound points..

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

What I experienced when I had the INT in my main system, was that the detailed character of an Ayre pre went quite well with Pass.

Pass is not the fastest gear around, but at least the .8 series do have tons of top end resolution and IMHO offer completely unreal sound staging and very nice bass definition. I could imagine trying out the X350.8 in my system. Might be a lots of fun.

Comparing that to the Ayre Twenty series, I think Ayre is a bit snappier and has very good micro detail retrieval. To hear this try e.g. Melody Gardot/ Worrisome Heart, the first 30 sec or so. Piano definition and the stand-up bass entering at 17 sec is excellent, has also something to do with the micro derail retrieval. E.g. in this piece the Ayre excels delivering very good PRaT, which is essential to balance out the otherwise mellow character of the song.

What you also need to take in consideration is the impact of power. Raw power does also enable speed, as the amp needs to work less to deliver it. The INT-60 is nice for a small setup and that's where it performs at its best. It is however not designed to deliver an orchestral performance with full range LS in a large room. That's what I will try the 350 wpc monster big brother for.

But beware, these differences are rather subtle - and I do enjoy both brands.


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Thanks for sharing. I agree I do enjoy the .8 series for the reason you mentioned above. I'm just looking to audition brands that have a little bit more "jump" so to say. I said speed because when I listened to those Spectral electronics... Well everything seemed more accurate and neutral e.g. Nothing in particular stood out as it was all equal good..It was able to open up the recording so to say. It has a very fast attack and decay...drums etc were faster and more precise than other brands I've heard so far.

I do prefer an integrated amplifier which leaves out Spectral. But, I'll be sure to check out the Ayre products after some of the positive comments here.