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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
 
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.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Rleff, what I mean is that even in my best ARC reference based system, I found a subtle dulling of transients and a fine layer of film that precluded me from feeling directly connected to the music. In other words, if I put on a great live jazz recording I know well and have heard on various systems over the years, it should fill my listening space with energy and excitement...more "thereness" if you will. The feeling I expect to hear is like walking into a live jazz club while the band is smokin'. That energy, vibe and "aliveness" is what better SS does for me over the many virtues of tubes:O)
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>07-23-09: Dave_b
No, it's called having ears Audiofeil.<<

Very bad ears apparently.

>> It's all good fun...unless someone invites YOU Audiofeil.<<

Don't need an invite here; least of all from you rookie.

>>Aren't you out of business yet?<<

Actually my business is quite strong at the moment. Better than 95% of others from what I'm hearing.

Lots of tube gear from people who really have a grasp on audio.

You wouldn't know any of them.
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