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For anyone who moved from tubes to solid state — a question

I'm the happy owner of a fairly new tube preamp and monoblock amps. I love it and have bought new tubes. To have another option for warmer weather or possibly a second listening room, I got a very good solid state integrated. I've run the tube preamp with the solid state amp and it sounds quite nice. I love all tubes, too.

But this question is for you. Please forget the convenience factor for a moment, including the issue of tube replacement etc. Also, forget about those cases where you bought new speakers and needed more power, etc.

Assuming you had quality tube gear with sufficient power — here's the question if you abandoned tubes for SONIC reasons:

What what is that tubes couldn't give you?
What did your solid state gear do for you which was so much better that you divorced to marry anew?

I'm curious about what people list as the positive sonic reasons they love solid state (including A, AB, D, etc.).

Thanks.
128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
5,008 posts
 
Can't correct it now, but I meant that my OP did NOT use the trigger words.

One thing this forum has taught me is that there are many paths to the top of the mountain (of good sound)  -- and *also* that there are different mountains!

Let 1000 flowers bloom.
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@stringreen

you called it right on SQ string...

best of breed tube and solid state are very close now, and ever converging, because they both provide superb frequency extension, transparency, drive and imaging - they have just come from very different baskets of strengths and weaknesses

but stuff at this level is quite expensive still for the regular guy
wolf_garcia
6,723 posts
 
Anyone can buy a Dennis Had tube amp for 1500 bucks or so...bought mine slightly used a few years ago for around 1100. Score one for the Regular Guy.
mglik
911 posts
 
I learned a lot from my thread, “Is there a SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy?”. The basic answer is no. Tubes and SS are a different paradigm. They approach producing music from different perspectives. My understanding is that tubes are a more visceral experience and SS more intellectual.
When I listen to my tube based system, I get emotionally carried away. When I listen to my SS system I get interested. For me, emotional is more true to the essence of the music.
xenolith's avatar
xenolith
136 posts
 
Correction: the Matrix 801 Series 2 speaker is nominal 8 Ohms (not the 6 Ohms that I had reported).
Specifications:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/bw-matrix-801-series-2-loudspeaker-specifications
With 3 minima of about 6 Ohms.
Measurements:
https://www.stereophile.com/content/bw-matrix-801-series-2-loudspeaker-measurements
Perhaps this helps explain how the new tube amps sound so great with them.

Anyhoo, for the record.
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