2. amps-preamps
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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
dinasty's avatar
dinasty
13 posts
 

it’s only your opinion that tubes are better.   They are better at wasting electricity, heating your room, and adding distortion.  Your question is similar to why are computers so popular when pen and paper are better.  Or  why do they sell so many cars and trucks when sleighs and ox carts are better 

prebs
19 posts
 

Im a big fan of running tubes in the pre-amp and SS for power. Currently running ARC ref6se with Parasound JC1+ blocks for power. I just love what they both bring to the party. I run JC1+ in low Bias settting (10W class A) during summer time and normal setting during winter (25W class A) The latter is where the amps sounds their best!

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,010 posts
 

I am here on the parking but he text me that he will not be here soon...😊😊😊

@hilde45 and @mahgister go out on a parking lot and settle it. Oh and record it for TikTok and send us a link. 

mrdecibel
3,063 posts
 

This kind of thread is the reason I spend less and less time on Audiogon. My best, MrD.

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,787 posts
 

Atmasphere manufactures Class D amps to so he's invested in the technology (I haven't heard his Class D mono amps but I imagine they sound fine) so there's that, and although he claims they measure like tube amps, I'm not sold.

😀 In the past there have been so many outrageous claims in the audio world that I doubt anyone takes printed claims as gospel in the audio world. We all have to take the equipment home and play it. I think this is because there's been a really big disconnect between the printed specs and what we hear for since the 1970s at least, since solid state began to dominate the market.

BTW, to add to my outrageous claims there is a review published in last month's Hifi+. So you can see what an allegedly independent reviewer thinks.

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