2. amps-preamps
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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
ramy
141 posts
 
It depends on the impedance of your speakers.In my case with high efficiency horn speakers with nominal impedance of 16 ohms my very powerful ss amp would not deliver adequate bass response,while a low power tube amp did get me the good bass.
orpheus10 OP
8,668 posts
 
Schubert, I had the same thing happen when something blew in a SS amp.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,249 posts
 
Orpheus10,
I agree with you that forums can provide valuable information(most of the times).My point was this site has a very good archive source that contain repeated/ popular topics such as this one.

Regards,
phaelon's avatar
phaelon
1,038 posts
 
Orpheus10, I admire your motivation. When I was a newbie, I was like a sponge seeking reliable information... heck, I still am. But I think that the range of opinions regarding tubes and solid state are so diverse that there is no substitution for listening. Sure, those of us who are experienced can talk about the sonic impact of alternative designs because we have reference points. But to a newbie, it’s like an interior decorator discussing fabric selection without the use of swatches. Even forgetting about system synergy [I have complete confidence (I’m not going to prove this) that I could set up two well matched systems, where you would conclude that one sounded better with tubes and the other with solid state], we all have different values and a newbie hasn’t acquired his yet. He might think he has, but he hasn’t. Also, in my experience, tube amplifiers of comparable quality are less expensive than their solid state counterparts - that’s not taking into consideration re-tubing. I’m not disagreeing with you and your experiences, I’m just adding mine - for the newbies.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Of course can happen with SS too, still tubes do it more often.
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