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Have you moved from tubed amplification to solid state amplification... Why?

I'd like feedback from those who have moved from primarily using Tubed pre and power amplification to Solid State pre and power amplification in their systems. 

Feel free to share what you found relevant to your experience. The questions below are only meant as a starting point, and reflect what I'm curious about.

- What was the initial motivation or driver that made you consider the move?

- Once you made your choice, what were your specific reasons for doing so?

- How happy and satisfied have you been with this move? Any regrets? 

- Lessons learned? Advice to share?

Thank you.


NOTE: Please, this is not about which is Better. Let's not make it about that. I like both solutions and the varied options for each. Thanks!!!

NOTE: I searched the Forums through 2013 for relevant threads...If you know of one or more that relates to my questions, please add the link. Thank you.
david_ten
terry9
2,333 posts
 
Quite agree, Willem, views are harder to come by than speakers. The protection circuit only becomes oppressive after you try disconnecting it, and then there is no going back.
pryso
1,928 posts
 
I'm a little confused.  terry9 concludes that SS, if carefully chosen, works best for him.  But then bdp24 steps in to suggest the RM-10 (tubes) with terry's Quads match is "to die for".

I expect terry identified his own choice, so bdp24 were you merely stating your own preference?
terry9
2,333 posts
 
I am thinking of the system as a whole. SS allows me to optimize overall, after major surgery to the Quads.

Prior to my experiments, I used Atma-Spheres, which were excellent for off-the-shelf amps. I recommend them to anyone not considering the DIY route.
bluesy41
211 posts
 

I went the opposite direction, I started off with Solid state and went to tubes. I am a Magnepan owner (20.7's) and had a pair of ARC monoblock amps that was rated 600wpc in 4ohms. It goes without saying from a power perspective they did the trick, however it lacked the musicality and subtle detail I got when I switched to tubes. It’s all system dependent, listening levels, and preference. I will most likely have to replace my tubes in another 4 years as the manufacturer of my gear is known for not running their tubes hard and with the auto bias feature it’s a non factor for me. At that rate I’m good with getting a new amp every 4 - 5 years, that’s based on changing out tubes. (not buying a whole new amp) LOL!

Cheers

aalenik
67 posts
 
There is no formula for good sound, but what works for me is a hybrid system - SS power amp and tubed pre-amp.  That gives me the power, speed & control of SS along with the musical tonality of tubes.  Using high quality components, this is much more like 'getting it all' than a compromise.  
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