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Tube vs SS vs Digital

I've read a lot of the older posting on Tube vs SS, and they are now about 3 years old. I am looking at making a change with my amp/preamp. I would like some advice. Budget is about $15k.

From a tube perspective, I am considering something like a Rogue M-180 and a Cary SLP-05.

From a SS perspective, I am considering something like a Classe' CA-M600 and a CP-800.

From a Digital perspective, something like a Bel Canto REF 1000M and a preamp from Ayre.

My concern is this: my local dealer mentioned that I should stay away from tubes as he has seen tubes "blow up" and ruin good speakers. Really?

I would like to get some opinions on the best route to go and possible brands/models/combinations.

Speakers are Revel Salon 2. Source is Rega RP3 TT and Oppo 95.

Thanks!
mbovaird
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
836 posts
 
"My concern is this: my local dealer mentioned that I should stay away from tubes as he has seen tubes "blow up" and ruin good speakers. Really?"

No, not really
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muzikat
929 posts
 
Not exactly what you are asking, but I think your sources need to be
upgraded. If you spend $15 K on preamp/amp then IMO you will way
outclass your tt and digital player.
Don't think your tubes will blow up and ruin the speakers though.
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muzikat
929 posts
 
I think your sources need to be upgraded. If you spend $15 K on preamp/amp then IMO you will way outclass your tt and digital player.
wolf_garcia
6,719 posts
 
With 15K to burn you can get into some tube mania...be warned as tubes can be extremely addictive. After over 40 years using tubes in guitar and bass amps I have never had one blow up, and those things get bounced all over the damn place. Kind of like your dealer saying, "I've seen heavy amps dropped on people's feet." In my hifi heap I recently switched from a SS power amp to a tube amp and I absolutely love it, it's fun, I prefer the sound of tubes, and I now have collections of tubes to play with. The ones that aren't plugged in...I just play with them on the floor...roll around, put little pants on them, draw little faces, give them names...
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