i think it is more of a phobia than laziness for avoiding tubes. in my opinion:
1. useful life of good tubes, with average use, ranges from 2 years to 10 years. i have even read of tubes lasting 20+ years.
2. tube rolling is similar to choosing cables, which can be more costly. but tubes usually make more impact. (sorry for side tracking)
3. solid state is like tube gear with permanent, super long lasting tubes, but without the extra flexibility to fine tune and match other gear.
4. plenty of excellent auto bias tube gear available
5. some class a solid state can get just as hot as tubes
so i strongly suggest choosing gear based on sonics, and not relegate the flexibility of tubes to hassles.
1. useful life of good tubes, with average use, ranges from 2 years to 10 years. i have even read of tubes lasting 20+ years.
2. tube rolling is similar to choosing cables, which can be more costly. but tubes usually make more impact. (sorry for side tracking)
3. solid state is like tube gear with permanent, super long lasting tubes, but without the extra flexibility to fine tune and match other gear.
4. plenty of excellent auto bias tube gear available
5. some class a solid state can get just as hot as tubes
so i strongly suggest choosing gear based on sonics, and not relegate the flexibility of tubes to hassles.