2. amps-preamps
  3. 161884-147341

Solid Stage vs Tube amp

Hello everyone. First thing I like to say is this is great site and I really enjoy reading discussions about gear, music sound, improvements and upgrades. BTW I’m new in this hobby and like to hear in a competent opinion. I have MC 2255 with C33 preamp and JBL L112 speakers. So far I’m happy with the sound for my Heavy Metal and Hard-rock music but I always wanted to try tube amp because I like to have this experience too. So I bought couple months ago Antique Sound Lab 1001 MK ii DT and I like the sound of this  tube amplifier  very much, it is just different, but when I compare with my SS amplifier seems  like Antique Sound Lab
cut off like 15-20 % of the instruments witch I hear with the SS specialty on the treble.  I understand that SS amp is more bright, transparent and fast amp  for Heavy Metal but is this the way tube amplifier should sound with this type of music or just my ASL is not a very good amplifier? I know it’s not high end gear but that’s my budget. BTY  the tubes are KK 88 Gold Lion with not more then 300 hrs. Thank you in advance to everyone who share his experience! 
itsotor
itsotor OP
9 posts
 
I understand, I didn't want to bore anyone with my question, I just wanted a competent answer from someone who knows more than me about my audio system.

To twoleftears regards comparing, that’s what I did until now. Definitely 4 ohm does not work well with my speakers (JBl L112) but on single ended setting the amp sound way better for my Metal and Hard Rock music, with clarity and very good instruments separation. Push pull settings sound like totally different amplifier.
 Thank you all for the response!
infection's avatar
infection
808 posts
 
Heavy Metal and Hard-rock

Which bands?
markusthenaimnut's avatar
markusthenaimnut
373 posts
 
@itsotor I commend to your attention a white paper titled something like "solid state vs. tubes". It is available on the sanders sound systems website. Roger Sanders explains in easy to understand language a key factor in why tubes sound different than solid state.

I wonder whether the tubes in your power amp are worn out or close to the end of their useful life? That might explain some of what you're hearing. 

Also, to help us out here, tell us about your solid state amplifier. What is it?
And what file format are you listening to? MP3s? CDs? Vinyl? Streaming? You might find differences in the presentation between those various formats and that could be a factor in what you're hearing.
itsotor OP
9 posts
 
Thank you for Roger Sanders article, it was very helpful. About the tubes for my amplifier, they are pretty new with not more than 300 hrs( that’s what the previous owner said) but I’m not sure about 12au7, never asked for them.Maybe I have to check them?  Regards my solid state, it is Mcintosh MC 2255 with C33 preamp and Nobsound tube phono stage.
I’m  listen mostly vinyl records and I have one particular which I use for testing and comparing  ( Pretty Maids- “Future World”)
Th’s to all for responds and advises!
More to discover