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What do you see as the downside of tubes?

I have decided on getting a tube amp and it will be the integrated Mastersound 300B driving a pair of Living Voice Avatars, so at least that decision has been taken.

My main question is what you see as downsides of having a tube amp. As I've decided on getting an integrated tube it's really about what the downsides are I might want to know about beforehand.

The ones I'm aware are the following.

-The tubes need to be replaced and in the case of a 300B this will be somewhat costly.

-Bias is another issue but I'm not sure how big an issue. Do you plug in your meter every so often or just when you roll tubes or replace a dead one? The meter as such isn't gonna be a big issue as I don't think it's that expensive.

-Heat won't be a big issue as we have no kids nor a nosy dog that could get burned. Hope my electricity bill isn't gonna go through the roof, but then again, I can't quite imagine that.

I'd appreciate if you could add whatever your experiences are regarding this question are as I'd like to know more before I buy it.

Thanks
krauti
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
Polk - Good idea - but sometimes that saving flow shoud be a bit larger than a few bucks, I bought NOS Genelec KT88 at a thousand dollars the pack of 4 !!!!

Again... To me it worths every penny (and pain) the tube route.

Fernando
rodman99999
6,160 posts
 
Exactly Fernando- I don't see ANY downside to tubes AT ALL. Your perspective will be based on your love for the sound of music.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
For me it has mostly been about clarity or transparency. I want to sense that there is nothing between me and the players. Anything that dulls, rounds off or clouds the soundstage is unacceptable! Most tube based components get in the way, despite whatever plus they may offer.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>07-23-09: Dave_b
Most tube based components get in the way<<

This clearly demonstrates a lack of experience.

Or poor listening skills.

Again.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
No, it's called having ears Audiofeil. Again, I stated MY preference. I've owned several tube based systems and enjoyed them. System synergy is the most important aspect to getting good sound anyway, but in the end I prefer Pass, Krell, MF, Spectral etc. I have had tube preamps mated to SS amps with varying degrees of success as well. It's all good fun...unless someone invites YOU Audiofeil. Aren't you out of business yet?
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