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
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
Now that I have sold my ASR Emitter, I can comment on it a bit more with no conflict of interest.

The Emitter is the best amplifier I have ever had or heard, and it gives up _nothing_ to any tube amp. It is absolutely as smooth and holographic as the best tube amps, with completely accurate timbre and body, and additionally with the bandwidth and power benefits of direct-coupled transistors. I am not saying it sounds like tubes - it sort of does but sort of doesn't - in ways in which it differs it is absolutely not inferior, only different. [DHSET amps still have their own sound - that 'glow' - if you are after that then they are the ticket.]

This amplifier completely changed my beliefs on what is possible with solid-state.

The only downsides are the cost and complexity.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
This is the beauty of the hobby, isn't it? So many different Nirvanas!
Well said, Guido!!! And so refreshingly different from one of our other members who recently wrote that there was "only one road to Rome" and apparently he was the only one w an up to date map!!!
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Although I have owned SS most of my life, after switching to tubes there is no way I would go back to SS.
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
Orpheus10,
I feel the same way! Until summer hits, when I have no choice.
minorl
1,016 posts
 
Never say never. I have auditioned some very nice equipment, tube and solid state and I can tell you in my humble opinion, that one typically becomes comfortable with certain sound and distortions. The amps are not reproducing the electronic signal 100% perfectly. They are designed to produce a particular sound. But, I have heard the top of the line Audio Research amps, Mark Levinson and Boulder to name a few and I would take anyone anytime. The Boulder Pre and power amp through top Wilson speakers matched or beat anything I have heard before. Tube or otherwise. It was simply wonderful. The Audio Research REF 610T, same. for some reason, the Krells are still too bright to me, can't say why. But, never say never. It comes down to when you hear the real thing and know it, it doesn't matter if it is tube or not. However, some people are solid state religious or tube religious and won't hear about anything else period. I care about the music (and my budget). enjoy the music. life is short. enjoy
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