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

Who would have guessed that such a patently provocative troll thread would have attracted so much serious attention? Congratulations @emergingsoul 

I will repeat my own experience...

Many past  s.s. amplifier presented harsh sounds, not my two S. S.  Sansui amplifiers...

The only Tube amplifier i bought was someway harsh sounding ... it was a relatively  low cost one ... I sold it ...

I think that well  designed tube amplifier cost more than few hundred bucks i guess..

All S.S. design are not equal , as like all tube designs are not equal...

 

 

 

 

 

I have been a tube user for the past 50 years but recently switched over to a highly regarded SS integrated and I surprisingly don't miss my tube amp.  I am using the Boulder 866 and find it extremely musical.  I am sure there are other SS brands that I would totally enjoy. 

@bolong 

 

What if you are not overdriving the amp or preamp? Tubes still sound better for some reason.