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Tubes vs Solid State

I have have been listening to music all my life but have only recently started experimenting with different amplifier and/or speakers/component combinations. I have recently moved from Parasound JC 1's to Classe Cam 400 monoblocks which I have both loved (maybe the prior a bit more) and are contemplating another move. I have been very intrigued by tube monoblocks and have the opportunity now to move to ARC ref 600's. I can also get Mark Levinson 33's for about the same cost. I am just uncertain about the Ref 600's as I am worried that I might be disappointed in the tube sound.

Can someone with more experience perhaps help me out here ? I am using the amps as part of a home-theatre setup driving 802 d's and other 800 diamond fronts and rears. I would really appreciate some good advice here.
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mapman's avatar
mapman
22,306 posts
 
In all seriousness, the best tube amps I have heard sound pretty much like the best SS amps to me and vice versa. Not sure I have ever heard either sound equally top notch with the same speakers though. Gotta look at the whole picture...
csontos
1,311 posts
 
Yea. Tubes are way cool. Especially the "BIG" ones, eh. Now that's gotta be some serious WAF appeal. Anybody out there with just 'little' tubes on their amps? I sometimes wonder if there is a phallic influence in owning one of those things. Anyone?
donjr
1,335 posts
 
I love them both. Honestly for me it's all about the music. When I set out to buy a new amp (integrated in my case), I don't have my mind set on whether it's going to be a tube or solid state. Listening to my music determines that. I bought my Rogue Cronus because I thought it sounded great with my speakers. I just ordered a Hegel H200 today for the same reason. I will say that to me, the solid state Hegel sounds more musical and it should for twice the price regardless of the technology. The Rogue will stay with me because it does sound fantastic and yes, the tubes glow.
tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
Ah Mapman if I misread your intent, which surprised me btw, just never you mind me!
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,306 posts
 
Some tube amp makers not only show their tubes (gasp!), but have figured out how to make them glow in different colors!!! Like Jolida FX10, which is one sweet looking little amp, like a mini, affordable VAC Phi Beta, which is the Brooklyn Decker of tube integrateds IMHO. I am not likely to be able to afford either my favorite VAC integrated nor Brooklyn Decker in the near future though. I suppose the fake colored blue Jolida glow is a bit shameful though. Kinda like makeup for tubes.
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