In the interest of power is there much really sacrificed in quality of sound in choosing SS over tubes. I heard the transistors are semi-conductors while tubes are conductors. Can semi-conductors truly replicate the tube sound or does it come close enough.
Well I use tubes on top and S/S on the bottom.the reason is obvious tubes sound better for vocals and mids and highs but lack in bass and the solid state stuff is where it excels in.
Tubes sound better because of their inherant slowness which some people call warmth. Solid state sounds fasterwhich some people call harsh. McIntosh makes amps which have had their tubes replaced with transisters and autoformers which makes them more powerful but still soft. Their resale value is never less than 35cents on the dollar so if you can get a good deal on a used one 50-60 cents or so You'll never lose. Besides they also look the best.
I second the tube top end and the solid state bottom end configuration. My first love is Jazz but I do listen to R&B and some CHOICE urban flavor and tubes generally just don't cut it on music mixed to be dynamic, fast and played loudly.
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