Tubes vs. solid state.

Cooljazzcat, thankyou for your opinion. I like some of Audio Research solid state amps like the 100.2. Also like Conrad Johnson solid state, makes you wonder why go the tube route. The McCormacks with Revision A, very trasparent and grain free. Aleph class A products, very sweet sound. Currently using a PS Audio upgraded HCA-2, wonderful midbass and detail, superb low end. I was thinking of hooking up with the solid state Bel Canto Pre 1 or 2. Or maybe the PS Audio PCA-2 with external power supply, a great match with my HCA-2. Too many products to list but great products for the price. I like to leave my system on all the time for background music, can't do that with tubes. I wonder if digital switching amps create a new category of their own.

Currently running the latest incarnation of a VTL tube preamp with the upgraded HCA-2, spectacular full sound but have to turn the tube pre off when not in use. The VTl pre really brings out the best qualities that garnered the HCA-2 its stereophile class A status.

I can definately understand why you wept when you heard your first tube integrated, if I was there I would of wept with you and would of even brought a box of Kleenex.

I think Paulfolbrecht elequent response was very intelligent & thorough pointing out some differences between ss & tubes. I hope you people live forever, will not criticize anyones choices because there are so many differences in room accopustics, components and speakers that are unique to ones system, makes it difficult to make an accurate call on recommendations in regards to ss & tube.

Phd, thanks for your input.

I have heard some of those amps you mentioned however they are still different than my amp with EL34's which is known as the ideal tube for mids. There is a harmonic bloom to them that I have not heard in SS setups.

Second, you said:

"I hope you people live forever, will not criticize anyones choices because there are so many differences in room acoustics...."

But before that you said:

"I want to suggest that solid state has become so good that it really makes little sense to use tubes.'

You see, it YOU that started criticizing people's choices to use tubes....peace.

Cooljazzcat, if I think solid state is better, is just a matter of opinion, certainly not attempt to critizise. I did mention that I like both ss and tube. Keep in mind my music tastes vary from softer music to hard rock. My current preamp is tube but prefer an all solid state system because there are some good ss products plus I want to leave it powered up most of the time. I know I would really enjoy your all tube system if I could give it a listen.

I was curious if you ever been concerned about a shortage of tubes and/or even good quality tubes since some good sources/factories have been shut down. Also I read that some sellers of tubes on the internet don't know they are really selling an inferior product because the original manfacturer logo has been wiped out and restamped with a new more respectable manufacturer. Thanks for your time.

PLease list the ss equipment that sounds as good as tubes, I am really intersted as I love the sound of tubes but hate to give up what ss offers.
I like my tube preamp but dislike the bass roll-off and the hum.