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.
@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.
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I apologize for my two digit IQ. Purpose in my lead off post is to solicit comments from much brighter people than me to better understand merits of why tube amplifiers on balance seem to be preferred, after allowing for operating inconveniences. I think I succeeded. There are some remarkable posts herein. I will soon have both tube and solid-state amplifiers in house and since mobility is a problem for me I pretty much buy on faith. Regarding reference systems recently mentioned above. While very respectable, these seem to be professionally grown Systems revealing precise characteristics of music being played that may not be enjoyable for longer-term use. They are used to analyze and promote a never ending parade of components. Reference systems I don’t think contain much in the way of tubes. Appreciate all the responses in this very unique environment. |
"I apologize for my two digit IQ. Purpose in my lead off post is to solicit comments from much brighter people than me to better understand merits of why tube amplifiers on balance seem to be preferred, after allowing for operating inconveniences." That sounds so innocent and self-deprecating, but the fact is that you came right out and said that tubes were better than solid state. It wasn't just a question. Even now you say that reference systems using solid state components are likely not suitable for long term use. Your bias is clear but uninformed. |
@ghdprentice You misinterpreted my point - by subjective I meant with your ears and heart, not measurements (which I made no mention of, but you subjectively jumped to). Net is - modern SS is simply better, better dynamics, better bass, more realistic. See your typical reference system and you’ll see; these folks can afford, Class A, Class A/B, SET, Push / pull, whatever and whan and what do they chose? a SS variant. ;-) |
