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more reliable amp: tube or solid state class A

i got to reading this thread:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1144724173&openfrom&1&4#1

i require no convincing that class A sounds better than AB or D or whatever else, but the efficiency is terrible, with the efficiency losses being reflected as heat.

and heat, as we know, causes thermal breakdown. this is a matter of engineering: the hotter a component runs, the shorter the mean time between failure. simple stuff.

but here's the question: if we took 2 equally hot-running amps, one tube and one SS, over the long haul, what would be more reliable? the tube amp, or the SS one?

i'm thinking the tube amp, solely b/c the tube is the hottest part, and its failure is accomodated for in the design (you simply plug in another tube). a hot running SS amp will eventually burn out resistors / transistors, and joe audiophile will be forced to send that to the factory for replacement.

(i am going to do some HVAC work on my room, and if i can keep in cool in mid July, i will be moving to the winner of this argument)

thx
128x128rhyno
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Mr Berning and Mr Karsten (two of my favorite designers... FWIW) thanks for getting into the discussion. I have questions about some of the same issues and your input is helpful.

That's one of the (few) good things about AudiogoN, getting first-hand, good information from people who know what they're talking about...

O

o

.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
This is why I come back here so often. Geesh, I'm not even a tube guy, but to get a chance to listen in on a discsussion between Mr. Berning and Mr. Karsten is a real treat indeed! Thank you gentlemen.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
And amid the warm glow (shameless tube analogy) creating by listening in on a "conversation" btwn 2 audio greats, lets not lose sight of the most impt point.
In summary, the point of this post is that the buyer should pay less attention to amp names, specs and classifications and listen with an open mind.

There are very well executed designs that utilize tubes and solid state, Class A and AB, OTL, ZOTL and transformer coupled. ANY designer makes a series of decisions and compromises to meet their design objectives. Buy/use what sounds good, is well built, and well supported!! Mssrs. Karsten and Berning make products that meet all three criteria.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Yo Pauly, "strange comment?" As I read through these threads it seems very common for respondents to mention the many components coming and going through their systems. Some Agon members seem to change components as often as they change their socks.
For a while I was one of those. My Meadowlarks have been with me for about three years. They've been with me longer than any other piece. Although I believe the other components currently in play will be here for a couple of years.
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