2. amps-preamps
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Tubes vs. solid state.

I just switched back to my ss equipment and can't see how I listened to ss for so many years and thought that I had a good system, maybe the equipment needs to be left on for some time.
But regardless of that, the difference is startling. I know that my tube equipment is not the same degree of excellence as my ss, but now ss sounds lean, thin lifeless. Have my listening priorities changed? One thing I noticed; my listening perception adapts to the sound present in the room. As I write this the sound is improving incremently.
Anyone share the same experience??
I will post as I will continue to listen and notice differences.
Ss is simaudio p-5 w-5, tubes are Cj premier 4 amp and audio experience a2se preamp.
Are there ss preamps that will satisfy or am I smitten by bubes I mean tubes.
pedrillo
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samzx12
1,220 posts
 
I mainly prefer tubes somewhere in the system. I love what they give to the midrange. With that being said, I am also enjoying my solid state Cayin 265Ai Class A integrated amp right now. It takes about 2.5-3hrs for it to warm up and sound its best but once it does it sounds so 3 dimensional and sweet :)
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I'm glad somebody started a tube vs. solid state thread.

It's a long time coming.
unsound
7,327 posts
 
Bill,
Thanks for the laugh!
rleff
1,065 posts
 
I have had both;the only solid state amp(s) I really enjoy are my jeff roland model 6 monoblocks;on the tube amps I have owned the cary slam 100 and audio valve challanger 180 monoblocks are my best performers driving soundlab m2's.I can see both sides of this question but for me the tubes best the solid state.
minorl
1,015 posts
 
Just to chime in here. I believe that tubes vs solid state is a matter of budget and price point. Low level solid state amps sound bright if not designed and constructed correctly. Low level tube amps sound warm, until you realize that something is wrong with the sound also. But, top of the line amps, either solid state or tube? I'll tell you seriously. I have listened to top of the line amps and I'll take either. Audio Research Reference 610 amps vs Boulder top of the line? Can't pick. They both sound wonderful. I listened to Krell amps for a time and still find them too bright. Switched pre-amps and still bright. Switched amps, to a Mark Levinson amp and brightness went away. Here is what I have learned over the years. If you stop listening and don't know why, something is driving you away from your system. But, if you can't wait to turn it on and listen for hours, then it is just fine.

enjoy
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