2. amps-preamps
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When to go solid state vs. vacuum?

I am looking to upgrade my system into a good 2ch system (hopefully adding vinyl playback) but also being able to do nice HT sound.

I am currently working on new speaker considerations but it may be likely that they will benefit from a dedicated amp....how to choose which type and which one?

I have an integra dtr40.1 that has some very nice features and can function as my pre-amp, and using it that way may be a good place to start. That said, I am new and ignorant to most things regarding standalone amps. Where are vacuum tubes appropriate and where are slowed state appropriate? I have heard both and at least for music I prefer the vacuum tubes, is there any reason why they can't ideally be used for HT as well?

I realize this is a bit of a nebulous thread but I need a starting point.

Thx
kooshballa
grinnell
1,094 posts
 
I can second the Primaluna for tubes. It was my entry to tubes and after 5 years still in love and have added another tube system at my cabin in the mountains.

there are a number of autobiasing Int Amps out there so you have a good selection. You will need a speaker that works well with tubes.

if you dont need much power and have a good effincient speaker try something with EL84 tubes sweet sound
levy03
442 posts
 
when you have animals (multipal cats and dogs) and smoke alot...SS seems right for the job (me).

other then that...personal preference imho, that can only be sorted out by listening for yourself.
zenbret
18 posts
 
Agree- it is personal taste. If you want great tube sound go OTL, but it will use a lot of energy and put off a lot of heat. I use Nuforce digital switching amps, Monarchy class A solid state, and Transcendent SET OTL tube amps with horns/super tweeters. I have tri-amped front end and the rest are for a surround system. David Shulte has modded most everything of mine ( Upgrade Company) and almost all of the system is XLR balanced. My phono preamp and my preamps are also tube. Tubes are fun to learn about and roll, but can be pricey. To get the really fine detail out of a full tube system is a long journey, but in the end blows everything else out to my ears. Use solid state and or digital switching technology for lows and mids, but class A tubes is the best for the highs.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Kooshballa,
You`ve gotten some good replies,The bottom line is it`s speaker dependent. Some are meant to be driven by by SS amps and other speakers truly come alive with tubes.Narrow your list of speaker and then learn which type of amp will mate best with it.I generally find a good tube power amp sounds better with more realism but it`s ultimately what your own ears tell you.
Best of Luck,
kooshballa OP
24 posts
 
Thank you for all these replies!
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