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The ups and downs of tube vs. SS...

I’d like to hear from the people that have had both. Why tube? Why SS? What are the ups and downs of both? How does owning one or both differ? I’ve always owned SS, but also lusted after tubes....
jtweed
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1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
first, i encourage you to buy a reasonably priced tube amp to compare to your SS amp. that is the best way to hear the obvious differences b/w the two. 

the tubes give you the ability to tune your sound more specific to the desires of your ear and to "match" our speakers, both sonically and electrically. 

This is a huge topic with thousands of forum pages written. dont get me wrong, I'm glad this thread started, just trying to offer you more outlets to do some quick reading, learn the basics, and get out fo the starting gate. 

GO TO AN AUDIO SHOW!! you will see literally hundreds of SS and amp units. 

also, many of us, use "hybrid" amp that have tubes in the PreAmp and SS in the Amp section. this gives most of us the best of both worlds. but again, whether a SS amp or Tube, it takes learning and practiced to get a good match b/w amp and speakers. many of us spend years playing around with different units and combos to get different sounds.
Its my hobby, I love it!
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geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Uh, when most people talk about tubes in the context of tubes vs solid state electronics I am pretty sure they’re referring to the whole electronics package. It’s an expression. You know, like I like tubes. Or I like how tubes sound. In that vein. 💉 When someone says I like transistors or I like how transistors sound chances are great he is not referring to actual transistors per se. 
minorl
1,016 posts
 

Just like tubes, different transistors sound different.  Tube equipment manufacturers are very quick to tell you what tubes are used in the products.  However, transistor equipment manufactures typically don't tell you what is being used, the circuitry or topology.

So, as usual it comes down to what you like when you are listening.

I have hear some amazing tube amps and pre-amps. Likewise, I have also hear some amazing solid state amps and pre-amps.  Don't let anyone fool you.  both are great.  I would take either.

It comes down to your style and listening preference.

But, as I have mentioned many times, make sure you are comparing apples to apples.  First, establish a sound you really like.  Second, establish a price range/point that offers products within that price range/point.  Third, then go find tube and solid state equipment that you can listen to, hopefully in your home system or if not, in the store on the same equipment.  Those really are the only two ways you can really tell the difference.

Also, don't let people when demonstrating equipment change other equipment at the same time.  Remember, apples to apples.

Listen to a tube amp on some equipment, then change out that amp for a solid state amp (same requirements and price point), changing absolutely nothing else and listen again. 

some dealers like car dealers have certain models that absolutely are trying hard to sell and will try to set them up so that they seem better than others.  The only way to tell is apples to apples comparisons.

It is difficult, but there are tube fans out there that refuse to hear anything else, not matter how great or innovative the other product is. Same can be said for solid state fans.

I'm a fan of excellent engineering and great sound regardless of whether it is solid state or tube.  Great sound is great sound. Every designer has compromises in the designs and sound of their equipment. Unless the product is a cost no object design.

A good dealer will help you with this if they carry great solid state and tube equipment.  Audio shows are good also, but you can't really compare there.  but fun non-the-less.

enjoy

deepee99's avatar
deepee99
86 posts
 
@wspohn
I'm kinda the same way. I've got s/s in the man-cave and toobs in the big room. There is a huge variation in the sound of, say, a Bedini s/s amp or an s/s Mac. Ditto with tube amps. My speaks (Tylers) are 90 dB and I listen to damn near anything.
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