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Why is solid state more popular when tubes are better?

Yes tubes are more involved and require periodic maintenance. Hybrid tube components need not apply, these are really solid state.

Tubes are better for multiple reasons and yet the world and the trade prefers solid state. Those rare audio shops that are geared toward stereo listening and serious connoisseurs tend to Focus more on tubes.  Those in business who like to improve volumes tend to offer solid state.  All the YouTube channels looking to improve their business tend to be solid state.  Maybe because tubes require much more expertise to sell, and there's lesser and lesser to go around. Solid state is more of a fast food commodity.

Tubes are difficult for businesses due to all the maintenance and complexity so you see it less often. Much much easier to sell hybrids or solid state.

 

 

emergingsoul
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,878 posts
 

Solid state is easier ,and no tubes are not better 

personally after 40+ years in audio a very good SS amp on the bottom

and great Vacuum tube preamp on top . It’s a classic combination 

Tiubes with the wrong speakers  can  be  not a plus, say applies to SS 

synergy is very important and not easy ,even changing to a new dac or cables 

can destroy the synergy .

roxy54's avatar
roxy54
7,710 posts
 

@bigtwin 

That's a great cartoon!

@emergingsoul 

You really embarrassed yourself with this thread.

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,006 posts
 

Happy with my "solid state" pure class A Sugden. As Herb Reichert put it, "Trust me folks, class-D is like fake cocaine compared to the rolling, relaxed, shroom-like beauty of the Sugden A21 SE’s midrange."

kennyc
1,192 posts
 

Tubes are not universally “better”, it depends on the execution and user preference.

styleman
132 posts
 

I am always curious about tube gear, especially integrated amps.  But the repeated expense of tube replacement and maintenance turns me away.  I recently bought a McIntosh MA352 hybrid integrated amp (200 watts).  Since I was under the impression that the preamp stage was more dominant in determining SQ, I thought it was a reasonable compromise.  In another room I have a Pathos hybrid amp (about 80 watts).  Am I hearing "tubey" sound from these devices?  I don't know because i have never developed an ear for pure tube equipment. And at my age, I don't think I could discern a difference.   But dissing hybrid amps as really solid state is a cheap shot. In my other room I have a Hegel 590 SS integrated amp.  I'm totally happy with my complete setups.  

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