Overtubing? Danger?

This is kind of a funny question. I generally worry about whether I have any transistors in my gear.

To answer your question, it depends on the gear. My feeling is that the fewest items needed in the signal path, that can get the job done well, is better than more items. Adding unnecessary items, whether they be tubes, or anything else, is not conducive to good sound.

If you are wondering if you should put tubes in your system to cover up the digital flaws, then maybe you should look at the source, and fix the problem where it begins.

As I understand, it is the inefficiency of tubes versus the efficiencies of transistors that give tubes that warm, human sound. Tubes add harmonics that transistors leave out. Am I right? Ok, if I am on the path. What happens when a component with tubes adds harmonic color, then passes it to another component that adds component color, then passes it on to another component that adds even more. Is it better to have only one add tube sound and all the rest of the components reproduce that efficiently? I hope I am making sense.

Well Matchstickman, If I count all the tubes in my system I come up with eighty four.

I cannot imagine substituting any for transistors. Fact is, my home theater began it's life as 100% solid state and evolved to all tube (at least everywhere possible).

Being that both Albert and myself are tube guys, you are going to get a "tube answer" from us.

I believe that "all tube" is the best way for sound quality in the majority of applications. You do not "ruin" any of the sound with tubes. A good tube amp or preamp will make the sound pass thru very clean. There is much less "grain" sound with a good tube amp. People with tube systems can hear if there is as few as one transistor in the signal path, because of the way it changes the sound. Once you start going into tubes, you will very quickly decide to eliminate all the transistors in the signal path.

Others will drastically disagree with me on this. I guess you just have to hear it to find out.