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SS amp as opposed to tube amp


I'm writing this primarily for "newbies". I have both sets, tube pre and SS amp in bed room; tube pre and tube amp in the listening room.

Recently, I've been doing critical "unbiased" listening. Before, I was listening with bias towards the tube amp. I just installed "NOS" tubes in the pre with the SS amp, and I can hear every nuance those fantastic tubes are delivering.

While there is no way I would ever have a SS pre, I'm not at all sure about the differences between a transparent SS amp, and tube pre.

Someone has already mentioned the cost of retubing. If that's a factor, I vote for the SS amp; also tube amps kick out as much heat as a fireplace, definitely not for the bed room.

Since I'm the kind of audiophile who wants the best sound possible, even if it's imaginary, I'll stick with a tube amp for the listening room.

In conclusion, tube amp or SS amp is almost a toss up with this audiophile.
orpheus10
zmanastronomy's avatar
zmanastronomy
738 posts
 
Great topic.
I've just accuired a Battery powered Tripath amp based on the 2022 chip and love it. I have tubes in my output stage on my Modwright Sony 999es that keeps the tube magic in my system.
I had a Almarro A318B SET amp that was replaced with the Tripath amp. I think I like the Tripath better in my system.
You are correct in the SS vs Tube toss up. If done correctly and matched up well with other components.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Orpheus10,
Your conclusion is reasonable as it`s all subjective.
I don`t know that there`s any more to add on this often raised topic.
Regards,
schubert
7,386 posts
 
When that tube blows and takes a pr of 3K speakers with it,
might sound different.
czbbcl's avatar
czbbcl
1,752 posts
 
I agree not much to add here. A ss amp paired with a tubed pre is a great combination . I have owned this combo (conrad-johnson) and liked it very much. I am now using a Cary SLI-80F1 (tube integrated) and I enjoy it as well; so to each his own.

Chuck
tubeking
65 posts
 
My friend lost a set of expensive speakers due to a SOLID STATE amp passing D.C. Perhaps Schubert may want to know this?
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