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Anyone permanently convert from tubes to SS?

I often hear about those that "discover" tubes and never look back, but has anyone here gone from being a "tube guy" to finding a SS amp that satisfied you equally or more? I don't intend on starting another tube vs. SS debate, I'd just like to see how many have left tubes behind. If you are a convert, which SS amp convinced you to leave tubes?
128x128jtnicolosi
calloway
874 posts
 
goldmund 29m
macrojack
1,303 posts
 
Yes - numerous times.
usblues
1,217 posts
 
I wish I could leave something behind but its not an amp,try and get some rest,good luck,bob
curriemt11
220 posts
 
I've owned many tube amps over the past 35 years. The Ayre MX-Rs have converted me. Still use a tube preamp (Messenger), however.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
Here's my standard response...

I've had tubes for years and loved them. I mean really loved them. However, there are compromises I'm willing to make because 1) I want something I can leave on 24x7, 2) I need something that doesn't generate as much heat, 3) I don't want to continuously wonder if a NOS set of Pope 6SN7s sound better than my NOS RCAs or if my 12BZ7s are aging and need to be replaced, and 4) I want hardware that doesn't require as much real estate. Given my wants and my needs (which also includes equipment that does not smear the time domain), Ayre seemed the ideal choice.

I now use an Ayre AX-7e (and I could not be happier).
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