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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
mrskeptic
262 posts
 

More subjectivity stated as fact. Will people never learn?

ianb52
40 posts
 

If you need good channel separation, full range frequency response, big dynamics, fast transients, and tight and powerful sub-bass, as much modern and electronic does, tubes don't really do that.

 

emergingsoul OP
950 posts
 

multiple reasons why tube sound better? It probably is due to how harmonics are handled.  Don't tubes impact harmonics differently, ie, provide more emphasis throughout the harmonic range in ways solid state does not?  This is possibly why tube's provide a Fuller sound at lower volume.

There were a couple passing references to harmonics up above, wish there was more discussion about harmonics, and wish I better understood why things sound differently. Maybe the new tube amp on order Will be helpful.  

 

p05129
483 posts
 

Who ever said that tubes sound better than SS? I have never heard a tube amp no matter the cost control the woofers that a SS amp can. Midrange and tweeter can sound sweet with tube amps but SS can too.

perkadin's avatar
perkadin
281 posts
 

I like both SS and Tubes. Living in South Florida I don’t get to play my tube amp as much as I’d like due to heat but my SS integrated is almost as engaging, sounds more dynamic and can play a bit louder without ever getting more then barely warm. Love them both. 

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