Adding a SS amp as a 2nd amp for my tube rig has been a plus


I'm really glad to have purchased a solid state amp, used, to go with my tube gear. Just the perfect solution to when I grab a moment or two to listen — that hour between work and dinner, for example. There's not enough time to warm up the the tube amps, but I turn on the tube preamp, turn on the solid state amp, and I'm in business.

I spent about 5:1 for the tube stuff (including the better tubes) relative to the SS amp, but I think spending that small extra portion on a slightly better tube rig wouldn't have gotten me as much.

Sonically, the tube stuff is superior — BUT I get a slightly different angle with the ss gear. For example, some rock sounds better with the solid state. Also nice to have a solid state when I swap different speakers in to try out.

Convenience-wise, I get more listening in to have that ss as a second amp. Most of the time, I just listen to tube, but when I can't make listening an "event", I still find myself listening.

Yes -- some additional costs (extra interconnect, extra speaker cables) but I am not the sort who breaks the bank on those items, so pretty negligible added cost.

For what it's worth. Anyone else done this?
128x128hilde45
yes hilde - definitely agree (i am admittedly quite a collector of hifi gear as well being an avid music lover)

having a solid state amp is an excellent change to a tube amp - different presentation, better with different music, emphasizes different aspects of the music, better grip on speakers/woofers

as you know i am sure, a frequent formula for excellent sound is a tubed source or preamp feeding a good solid state power amp, often captures the best of both worlds

another corollary could be extended to higher power tube amps vs lower powered single ended units - they vary in presentation in a very interesting fashion (if you have suitable speakers)

variety is the spice of life, in many respects!
I have much more often read that solid-state gear takes much longer to warm up. In fact, some people keep their solid-state running 24 seven. I typically hear that tube gear takes a maximum of 30 minutes to warm up.
@jjss49 Yes, the low powered tube siren doth summon me to her tropical isle...