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To all tube lovers.......

To all the tube lovers out there: If you COULD NOT listen to a tube amp and you HAD to go solid state or digital, what amp would you get to replace your tubes? I've always been a tube guy. Every amp I've ever owned has been a tube amp. However, I may get a new speaker that is 88 db @ 4 (maybe 6), ohm. If so, I must get a higher powered amp. Keep in mind, I"m not just looking for any amp. Preferably 100 watts or more. Solid state? Digital? I've heard wonderful and not-so-wonderful feedback on Nuforce and Spectral in the digital camp.

I just don't want to regret getting out of tubes just so I can change speakers.
devilboy
rhljazz
1,252 posts
 
I am enjoying the W4S ST500 which is something I didn't expect to be saying. It's not exactly tubes but it's not exactly SS either. Besides it sounding great (no SS glare), it is reasonably priced. No hum, no hiss, no heat, no maintenance, no other annoying sounds.
I bought the W4S to see how it would do on the N802's and figured it would be a good backup amp if one of the tube amps went down (it's small and light, easy to pack in a closet). I have this system set up for 3 months and I might leave it this way till summers over and go back to the VAC/ESP setup once the weather cools off.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I would jump on the Threshold SA-1's on this site right now......Built like a tank and sound like a dream......
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
Pass XA
hellofidelity
77 posts
 
47 Laboratory
mmike84
309 posts
 
If you're really a tube guy I don't think you'll find a SS amp that you'll want long term. I've owned a lot of them including many that have been mentioned, and others. At first you'll be enamored by the clarity and resolution, but you'll grow tired of it wondering why you never listen to an entire song anymore. Eventually you'll realize it's the SS amp and you'll be back on the merry go round. Not that there's anything wrong with the merry go 'round if that's what you want. ;)

However based on the specs you have given for your new speakers I'd be very surprised if you couldn't find a push pull tube amp that would sound better overall than SS. I own two VAC Phi 200's that I used on an 83 DB 4 ohm electrostat and they sounded great. Better than any SS amp I tried. However an even better idea is to find a speaker that is more efficient so you can use tubes with no trade offs.

What are these speakers?
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