Tandberg sounds bright.

I have tube systems in my living room and bedroom. But I have a Tandberg 3002A preamp and 3006A power amp in the den/TV room. I really like the Tandberg sound--it is a little dark, but rich and involving, and the system does a great job with DVDs and LPs too--Tandberg's phono stage was always a strong suit. I bought these units on ebay just recently because I missed the Tandberg integrated I had 15 years ago. While I love tubes, it is also nice to have a fine solid state system around as well. I agree with Nrchy: "good design, and parts quality that makes a product good, not just tube v SS."

Blah, blah blah. I was just kinda kidding, guys! I have a transistor DAC and transport and have never even considered checking out a tube output design.

Design is everything, which includes parts quality, and Sim Audio and Rowland make damn good sounding gear. I just think it appears easier to make good sounding tube stuff than the other way around. I once heard a 20 wt Accuphase SS amp driving ProAc 2.5s that made great music but at the time a 20 wt 572 SET design did an even better job. On the other hand, I've heard tube designs with such inherent glare and etch they drove me from the room. Have also heard tube designs that were so soft and dark I couldn't hear any music. Hey, now that I think of it, I've heard the same two extremes with SS designs, too!

I sent off my 3026A to a qualified Tandberg repair shop that I have trusted and used before. They said it was one of the early models that was not upgraded. They are upgrading it now and should get it back in a week or two. I will let everyone know how it sounds. Mike

It sounds very smooth and detailed now. Not a hint of harshness. I have it for sale.

I had a Tandberg 3016a,  220w into 8 ohms...weighed about 70 pounds...played sweetly into my Dayton Wright XG10 MkII electrostats.  Absolutely NOT bright,,, but warm, musical and POWERFUL!!!