2. amps-preamps
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Is solid state on the brink of extinction?

I am curious how many out there, like me, that have come to the conclusion the age of solid state, and perhaps tube gear, is closing.

In freeing needed cash from my high end audio recently, I was forced to look for a less expensive alternative. To my surprise, the alternative turned out to be an unexpected bonus.

I have notoriously inefficient speakers. I was sure I would have to sell them once I sold off my large solid state blocks.

Going on a tip from another amp killer speaker owner, I bought an Acoustic Reality eAR 2 MKII Class D amp. This tiny amp caused a revolution in sound benefits over my ss mono blocks.

My speakers gained in speed, depth, control, detail, range, clarity, and dynamics.

It didn't stop there. I also sold my front end, and bought a very cheap programmable digital DVD. It also proved to be better that my old disc player. My playback gained in detail, separation, depth, bass control, bass extension, and treble extension. The mids are just plain natural. Reverberation decay occurs evenly and naturally.

Has anyone else had a similar experience of moving from solid state or tubes to digital? What do you see as the future for solid state component producers? What of tube amps?
muralman1
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
The "tube sound" and the "solid state sound" relate to the
distortion spectrum characteristic of these devices when used in a linear amplifier.

In a digital amplifier, the characteristics of the ouput devices, tubes or transistors, are irrelevant because they are full on or full off all of the time. The output devices could be relays if you could find ones that switch fast enough. Any sonic characteristic is the result of the algorithms used to control the output devices.
muralman1 OP
1,527 posts
 
Gee, thanks guys. :-D
muralman1 OP
1,527 posts
 
On tube sound. I am just trying to describe the eAR in terms we are familiar with. For me, tubes have always imparted the playback with a wholeness, and kindness, solid state only approaches. The Pass amps brought me close.

IMHO, the eAR (?digital enabled solid state?) bridges the accuracy and extension of great solid states with the wholeness, and kindness of tubes. On top of that, it thoroughly clarifies the players, to where everything is heard in proper proportion.

Jeff Rowland has already entered the digital module fray, I believe. As has been noted, PS Audio has rocked the boat hard with their cheap entry. The basic bud of Class D technology may have been around for a while. Now it is beginning to fully blossom.

Really, everyone, I am just giving you my personal experience. When I started this topic, I was hoping others with similar esperience would step forward - seems I have jumped the gun.
keano
4 posts
 
It has a write up on digital amps in the lastest newletter.

James
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Muralman1...Ok I will step forward. As I have said in other threads, I have purchased Carver ZR1600 digital amps, and I find them to be superb (driving MG1.6 and subwoofers). This confirms opinions posted elsewhere by other reviewers. Also importantly, they are so low in price (considering their power, 600 watts 4 ohms) that anyone having an interest in expressing an opinion on digital amps has no excuse not to try one.
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