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

I like the sound of both styles. 

But my electricity is over 50 cents per KWH and I don't have A/C.

Makes tubes undesirable.

Is it really a contest? I thought it was a hobby. Upon returning from abroad with a modestly priced Chifi tube amp, I sold all my solid-state gear and upgraded (?) to tubes because I like the sound more.

@sbonamo …”Tubes are not quantifiably better than SS, in fact, the majority of true reference - class systems run solid state, which has been long optimized to be (subjectively of course) better than tube amps.”.

Exactly. The classic… measurable vs sounds better to humans. A well disigned tube amp / preamp sounds much better to humans. Solid state test better. If I was a test device I would love solid state gear. But, since I am human, I am so thankful to be listening to tube gear.