I can't help but wonder about how much of this trend has happened due to the ubiquitous red Wima caps everywhere.No, but coupling caps certain do bring their own issues to the table. That is why we employ a lot of direct-coupling, including at the outputs of both our amps and preamps. That makes them more transparent, but doesn't make them more 'solid state'.
Neutral Sounding Tube Amps - what gives?
If I'm in the market for a tube power amp or preamp, it's because I enjoy the sheer musicality of tubes, the romance they bring, the warmth, the inner-glow, the bloom, the whatever the heck you want to call it.
So why, when I'm reading current reviews and forum comments on the latest tube gear, has it suddenly become a good thing to encounter modern tube gear that sounds 'neutral,' 'transparent,' 'uncolored,' etc.? These were not the attributes that drew me to use 'valves' in the '80s (A classic Leak Stereo 20 driving Quad ESL57s), and it's not what I want from my tube gear today.
Who changed the rules? Did anyone else get the memo?
With the above in mind, what do you consider to be the best tube preamp offering a 'classic' tube sound, but built in the last decade, say in the $10K new range? I'm not shopping, I'm just curious to see if I'm missing something.
Cheers
Rooze
So why, when I'm reading current reviews and forum comments on the latest tube gear, has it suddenly become a good thing to encounter modern tube gear that sounds 'neutral,' 'transparent,' 'uncolored,' etc.? These were not the attributes that drew me to use 'valves' in the '80s (A classic Leak Stereo 20 driving Quad ESL57s), and it's not what I want from my tube gear today.
Who changed the rules? Did anyone else get the memo?
With the above in mind, what do you consider to be the best tube preamp offering a 'classic' tube sound, but built in the last decade, say in the $10K new range? I'm not shopping, I'm just curious to see if I'm missing something.
Cheers
Rooze
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- 14 posts total
@ebm .If you'd like to stay on full time and correct the grammar in ebm's posts, we have a position for you. I will warn you, there is a lot of overtime and it is a thankless job. Oz |
Just stumbled upon this thread from a few months back https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/why-don-t-tube-amps-sound-like-tubes-anymore At least now I know there are other folks thinking the same thing about the evolution of tube 'sound'. I can go back to my corner now, thanks. |
@ozzy62 , Sorry you feel that way. But, I hope you don't run into that Panda. You know, he: 'eats, shoot and leaves'. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eats,_Shoots_%26_Leaves B |
- 14 posts total