Adding a tube amp is a good idea?


Dear all, 

Hope your 2025 is off to a good start! I am thinking about adding a tube amp. Particularly Audio Research ref S80. Nicely used unit can be had for a reasonable price so I am considering it. You can see my virtual system for a full list but my system consists of LTA preamp, Pass Labs X250.8 amp and JA Perspective2 speakers. Totally happy and satisfied with the sound I get from the system, but just want to have another amp for a different flavour. Do you guys think ref 80s sounds different enough, for better or worse? Let me know what you think. Thanks 

 

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After many receivers, integrateds, separate solid state amps/preamp, hybrid amp, and a better solid state amp with a tube preamp, then full tubes for many years, I settled on a tube/SS hybrid bi-amp setup with a tube preamp, and tube monoblocks on the midbass/tweeters, and active low pass crossover to a SS integrated amp below 80hz to the woofers. The tube front end with tubes on the whole vocal range yields some pretty incredible results. It’s personal, it’s subjective, it’s system dependent, but it’s been delivering some amazing audio moments on a regular basis.

Most affordable tube amps don’t have great bass slam, extension, and control (actually many of the more expensive ones aren’t great at that either). A modest SS state amp used in the lower ranges delivers pretty well, where tubes tend not to.

 

Yes, it will sound different. Yes you should try to find out tube sonics for yourself.

I have 2 audio chains - SS neutral linear dropping the noise floor, and an 100db speaker to investigate tubes sonics starting with flea watt SET 300b amps.  I too like variety, but at high sonic quality.

The mcintosh has crossover tube 300 watt ss 600 all in one but is costly i bought used.tube for mid and high .ss for woffers.enjoy the music.

My experience with tubes is that they are addictive . They are like a warm hot chocolate on a cold day, or a banana split on a summer day. Indulgence and comfort. A 1953 Cadillac Eldorado.