2. amps-preamps
  3. 1345905920

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
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
“when your friends see a tube amp in your house they will think you're cooler than you actually are.”

LOL - I wish I had your friends Wolf. My friends look at me like I’m a guy who rather use a shovel than a snow blower.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Phaelon,
The move to a higher (and flat) impedance will bring out the best in your NAF amplifier.It`s a good decision.
Charles,
wolf_garcia
6,679 posts
 
After reading the otherwise ignored "measurements" part of a review of my speakers, I switched to the 4 ohm tap on my Jolida amp and I think it sounds better. I do use a snowblower...have to get that thing serviced.
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
Yes, playing around with the ohm taps on a tube amp can make a difference. My VR-4 Gen II speakers are 7 ohms nominally, but the bass module is 4 ohms. Since bass is so taxing for an amp, switching to the 4 ohm tap produced a much better result.

FWIW, YRMV.
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