Trade- off, power SS vs tube magic.

yippee....another tube vs solid state thread.

Is there a price point for such amp ?

When I first got into this hobby, I tried tube amps and liked the sound that they have, but the cost of tubes is what made me switch to solid state.

Now, I will say that the tube amps that I tried were not in the same price point as the solid state amp I had, so maybe that is why I have no regrets of switching.

I guess it's a matter of perspective and priorities.

I just replaced the four KT-88 power tubes on my amp at a cost of $160. The old set lasted about five years. That's about $2.70 a month to keep the amp running. I spend far, far more on monthly fees for TV, phone & internet and cell service.

My 50 watt/ch amp provides all the power I need. (My previous solid state amp was 150/ch.) I listen at the volumes I like with no discernible clipping or harshness.

I know others listen differently, in larger rooms, or far louder, and choose different speakers. They could easily prefer a different amp.

That said, I'm surprised that anyone who pursues quality audio as a hobby would grouse about amortized tube costs.

Why have to make a trade-off? Simply get a Butler Audio amp - tube goodness mated to MOSFET power. These show up from time to time on A'gon. I can tell you that I am tickled pink with mine - the last amp I will probably ever buy...

-RW-