Tubes? Transistors? Which are better?

This thread was resurrected at an interesting time for me. While I've used a McCormack DNA-2DX (300 wpc, 8 Ohm) for the last two years, 3 weeks ago I bought a slightly used Sonic Frontiers Power 2 amp (135 wpc 8 Ohm). Both amps are $5000. MSRP and each is a very good representative of its "type". At first I was sort of disappointed with the Power 2. It was subjectively slower and softer, but with a very relaxing and slightly warm mid-range and treble; but still with very good detail. (but I've been using SS amps for 8-9 years). At first I mistook its warmth for veiling. But after listening for a few weeks, this amp is growing on me. It has an overall character that is very pleasing, even on high NRG R&R. It's true-- while slower, the whole frequency range is slower and so pace, rhythm, and timing do not suffer, and in fact growling slide guitars (slide guitar is distortion by definition) are maybe even more convincing with the Power 2. The DNA2 amp is typical of a very good SS amp with fast, tight, well controlled bass, and excellent detail. This amp has the first 25 watts biased into Class A operation, and it has a sweet, detailed, yet very immediate presentation that is not at all fatiguing. It is a distinctly "livlier" sound, and at first I said also "more involving". But now, I know that I could be happy using either one of these excellent amps indefinitely. The strength of the Power 2 being a relaxed, slightly warm and beautiful mid-range, with good detail. The DNA-2DX strengths being fast, controlled bass and a more lively, but still non-fatiguing presentation. I've come to the conclusion that both are excellent, but I wouldn't want to listen to them both on the same day, or maybe even the same month. In the STPH review, RJR called the Power 2 boring-- not true in my system. He also said part of the mid-range was too forward-- well, not in my system, and he said it had a mid-bass "hump"-- this is only true if it's on the CD, IMO. BTW, my tube pre-amp is a SF Line 2, and I think there is good synergy between it and the Power 2. I could become a total tubehead, but I'm planning on keeping both these amps:>) I suppose the results of this comparison were pretty predictable, but it is my first serious flirtation with tube amps, so, new to me, and I've enjoyed it. Cheers. Craig.

Sedond, sorry it took so long to respond: I'm going digital. I'm panning to get the TACT room correction system, add a DA module and feed the amp directly. Cheers.

Carl the only thing your cd 50 can wipe ip is the barf from listining to Solid state amps for more than 5 minutes.Krell one of the worst offenders.Krell can even make the best analoge source sound harsh.

I had a solid state Int for 20 years.When it came time to upgrade I went to audition a Sim I5.I liked the unit and was ready to go solid state.The sales guy was hooking up a tube Int and i sat and listened.Boyh amps where in the 2k range.I was floored by the sound comming from the Cary CAD 75I.I became feom that moment on a tube junkie.If you get the chance listen side by side.they not for everyone.If maint and cost and not sound are your main driving forces.Go solid state.If sonics are what drives you,tubes will deliver the goods.

One of the reasons I bought my current amp was the fact that it had tone controls. I think it was a bold step for the company. Jadis felt that they were beneficial to enough people in enough cases to try it out. This model has served as an "evaluation of the market", to test the waters in seeing customer reaction/feedback/long term opinion on them. The preamp section is passive and, I have to say it is a nice combination indeed. They have definitely added to my enjoyment of the music in many cases, so long as one does not go overboard. I hope other manufacturers follow suit in the future. I think we all do not have to follow in lockstep with the establishment in the universal condemnation of tone controls.