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What do you see as the downside of tubes?

I have decided on getting a tube amp and it will be the integrated Mastersound 300B driving a pair of Living Voice Avatars, so at least that decision has been taken.

My main question is what you see as downsides of having a tube amp. As I've decided on getting an integrated tube it's really about what the downsides are I might want to know about beforehand.

The ones I'm aware are the following.

-The tubes need to be replaced and in the case of a 300B this will be somewhat costly.

-Bias is another issue but I'm not sure how big an issue. Do you plug in your meter every so often or just when you roll tubes or replace a dead one? The meter as such isn't gonna be a big issue as I don't think it's that expensive.

-Heat won't be a big issue as we have no kids nor a nosy dog that could get burned. Hope my electricity bill isn't gonna go through the roof, but then again, I can't quite imagine that.

I'd appreciate if you could add whatever your experiences are regarding this question are as I'd like to know more before I buy it.

Thanks
krauti
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
For me it has mostly been about clarity or transparency. I want to sense that there is nothing between me and the players. Anything that dulls, rounds off or clouds the soundstage is unacceptable! Most tube based components get in the way, despite whatever plus they may offer.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>07-23-09: Dave_b
Most tube based components get in the way<<

This clearly demonstrates a lack of experience.

Or poor listening skills.

Again.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
No, it's called having ears Audiofeil. Again, I stated MY preference. I've owned several tube based systems and enjoyed them. System synergy is the most important aspect to getting good sound anyway, but in the end I prefer Pass, Krell, MF, Spectral etc. I have had tube preamps mated to SS amps with varying degrees of success as well. It's all good fun...unless someone invites YOU Audiofeil. Aren't you out of business yet?
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Dave_b I was wondering what your view of "the tubes getting in the way" means?
Do you feel that the solid state gear you listed equals or
excels better than tubes as far as being able present the
being there experience?
I enjoyed solid state before tubes but it just didn't seem to be able to reach that goal for me.
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I respect what Dave-B shared with us, and I know many friends who also prefer the sound of SS over Tube designs and that is fine... even mixing tube and solid states in the audio chain brings very good results to some systems.

A world full of colours, options and tastes is what keeps this hobby interesting.
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