Tired of Problems with Tube Equipment

I find it unfortunate that so many folks seem to have to badmouth whatever format they DON'T use to validate their own choice. It's like the equally unfortunate tendency to use phraseology like "amplifier X kills amplifier Y".

My own solution, I know, would not be practical for most. I'm a two-system fellow, the big upstairs rig solid state, the basement system vintage tube-based. I wouldn't trade either experience. As I tell my pals, my favorite system is the one I listened to last.

There was a time not so long ago when optimal performance was the domain of tube equipment. That is simply NOT SO today. I was a tube guy for over 20 years and yes it sounded awesome. Now I'm a solid state guy using the latest technology which runs cool, doesn't take up much space and can stay on all the time, so I don't have to wait for the system to 'ramp-up' before sounding it's best. I would even go so far as saying that in some vital areas of bass control and dynamics, the best SS trumps the best of Tubes. I think a neat trick would be for some leading manufacturer of SS gear to cosmetically put some tubes on top of the enclosure just for 'looks'. I'll bet there would be some 'humble pie' served to some who would proclaim a 'new age' had come for Tube Equipment.

I have been using Quicksilver amps for about 5 years. Zero problems. My complaint with tube gear is that sound quality subtly declines as tubes age, and I'm often wondering if tubes are wearing out somewhere in the system. Time for a tube tester I guess. Not to mention the ongoing search for reasonably priced NOS so that I have the tubes I like 20 years from now.

Wow; great responses! This may be somewhat off-topic from my original post (I AM allowed to hijack my own thread, eh?), but I'm wondering how close I can get with a good solid-state amp vs my class A SET tube amp I have now. I know there's been quite a few threads about this, but in my setup I use a Tact 2.2XP (room correction, EQ) which feeds a Lector 224 tube DAC, which then feeds the amps. So it's not a straight tube vs SS amp question, as I use the 2.2XP to EQ the signal (which can approximate some tube amps added midrange bump), and use tubes in the DAC.

Then DIY is for you!

You can build amps from proven designs with better parts and built than many commercial models at a percentage of what you might pay for a commercial one. Besides, when something happens to your amp, you will have at least a general idea why and how to troubleshoot it. So, try to learn as much and as fast as you can especially the elctronics side of amplifiers, then you are ready. Do not be afraid to try. Start small with kits but aim big every step of the way. Same thing applies for SS amps.

Where do you think most of the designer of the Audiophile amps started before they went commercial? Who knows, maybe in a couple of years, you might have your own offering to the commercial world too. "Smeyers Research Inc.", "Meyers Design Labs", "SM Audio", or "Myers Electric" sounds impressive no?

regards,

Abe

PS. I am speaking from my personal experience. The last "commercially built/assembled" gear I bought was a preamp about 4 years ago and counting.