Solid state to tube
I have been a solid state guy since my start in this hobby. Over the years I have built a few systems and have used mainly older YBA seperates pre and power for my front end.
I also have a pair of musetex MT101 mono blocks from Meitner audio which I use as well.
My speakers are reference 3a lintegre
I am thinking of moving to a all tube system
. However I have little experience
I have looked at Quick Silver and a small boutique builder called Will Vincent. Have not heard anything yet. I thought I might inquire here first for any suggestions from tube savvy members
Another kudo to Quicksilver. I’ve been using all QS gear for the past 20 years. The stuff is built to last and I have never had a burp from any piece that I own. If you check the site you will see that most of the amps are now discontinued. Mike is still making the Mid Mono. If 40 watts is sufficient I can’t see you going wrong with those! http://quicksilveraudio.com/amplifiers/
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I agree with the posters here who say audition a tube system. I use a tubed preamp in my main system. My other vintage systems are mostly tubes which I enjoy. It’s a big jump to all tubes so take it carefully. Consider that tubes wear out and they are expensive, there is heat involved, there can be biasing problems, and the occasional melt down ( ie. Red platting, which I had on one of my vintage amps). Music can have less bass impact as ss systems. You my not care or notice but that’s why you should audition. Aside from all of this, they sound wonderful, but consider in my opinion I don’t think I’d want my main system to be an all tube system. That’s why I use a tubed pre. Hope this helps. |
Again this comes down to the manufacturer. Now all products provide the same sound quality. You need to determine first the sound you are looking for. There are many different tubes that all have different sound and there are different amp designs such as Class A, etc. Your budget also have something to do with it. As far as comparing SS to tubes, you will get similar answers on the differences here, but in reality, a good tube amp design will be equal to SS in terms of dynamics and slam. Tubes in general can offer a longer decay of notes and more of a 3D soundstage that SS cannot provide. You need to do your research and listen to different tube equipment and learn why they sound different. There are plenty of custom designers around if you want to go that route also. As far as reliability, sure there is heat but that is where the design comes into play. Point-to-point wired? Bias adjustments? Tubes wear out sure - so do capacitors and resistors. I do not agree with less bass impact comments. It comes down to the tubes and the design. SS has limitations that IMO compromise sound quality. Happy Listening. |
I have been enjoying tubed integrated amplifiers and separates from Octave, Ayon, Audio Hungary, for many years now. I also have had in my stables SS integrated amplifiers and separates from Simaudio, McIntosh, Ayer, Bel Canto, Norma, and others over the years. I have enjoyed each for their specific attributes, slam is not one of them (think the term in audio speak is a joke). I have only ever felt deprived of midrange using SS. I like to accentuate the positives and I feel that depending on all the other components in the chain one needs to be careful in their foray into the tubed world. I would consider doing what I did transitioning from SS to tubes and others have recommended here, hybrid integrated or a tube pre with ss amplifier. Just keep an open mind and you may need to try a few combinations of components before you find the synergy your are seeking. Tubes vs SS, Ford vs Chevy...who cares it is what makes you happy! |
