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Solid State to Tubes and Back Again

I've been reading a number of posts where individuals have gone from solid state to tubes, and back to solid state again. I'm curious about some of the reasons why.

Could it be a cost (tube replacement) and maintenance issue?

Could it be convenience (change of space - living arrangements), or is it simply because of the preference for solid state over the tube sound?


Thanks in advance for sharing.
hawk28
hawk28 OP
121 posts
 
"as to switching from solid state to tubes and back to solid state, i think it's like getting married three times."

Ouch! I sure hope not.

Mustang Cobra, VERY HOT!!

I guess all one can do is audition what you think you will like in order to get what sounds satisfying to you. I've had nothing but solid state gear all my life, and I'm itching to see what a tube pre will bring to the party. The quest continues....
inna
7,296 posts
 
I have SS only because I cannot afford something like LAMM. No cheap tubes for me, they stink.
And I don't drive Mustang as where I live trains go much faster but also because when it comes to cars I prefer German.
markwatkiss
508 posts
 
I go back to ss on occasion to assess and compare.It's just part of my obsessive compulsive personality.
glory's avatar
glory
1,614 posts
 
Why not keep both on hand?
4est
507 posts
 
Blonds, brunettes and redheads...

I think that it all really depends upon the speakers. The valve is intrinsically a better device with other issues, but transistors have come a long way. In one system I run tubes because it is relatively efficient. On the other I run SS because I cannot afford to run 500w tube amp.
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