What amps do Electrical Engineers own...why?

My father is an EE, and has traditionally preferred solid state amplification. He's of the generation that led the migration in that direction as well as a devout objectivist.

However, over the past decade, he's once again embraced tubes, though not completely. He's had the benefit of seeing how things have evolved since the 1950s when he was coming up, and concluded that over the very long haul, the longevity of a tube amplifier eclipses that of solid state. Most surprising to me, he espouses tube rectification and the absence of negative feedback; with logical justification, of course. And, though one "has to always get back to the numbers", he feels the sonic benefits in certain regards also provides justification for tubes.

12-22-12: Charles1dad
No NFB and DHT tubes is a very solid foundation to build with. Has it meet your expectations?

Yes, I continue to be delighted with the amp, particularly since I upgraded the stock 6SN7's to Sophia Electrics. Some vintage Sylvanias I tried were also excellent, slightly less revealing although perhaps a bit more euphonic with some recordings. I have no plans to upgrade the VAC-supplied Chinese 300B's, especially considering that there are 8 of them :-)

12-22-12: Don_c55
I am an electrical engineer and very,very few other EE's that I know have much interest in high end audio, they are mostly skeptical of improvement over brand name audio. They are not wealthy and would not spend big bucks on audio.

A point worth keeping in mind is that the same could be said of the general population.

Newer EE's are digital educated unlike those from the analog era. Only ancient EE's know tubes.

Very true IME. My perception has been that most EE's coming out of school in the past couple of decades or so, and who work as circuit designers, usually have very little knowledge of any kind of analog design, much less tubes.

Regards,
-- Al

Hi Al,
Glad to hear the VAC REN amplifier is making you happy.When I first heard those VAC amplifiers about 16-17 years ago I was immediately struck by the sheer 'natural' sound they produced,really close to live acoustical instruments.Up until then my exposure to tube amps were pentode type PP class AB designs,ARC,VTL,CJ etc. These were pretty good but the VAC REN series was just a new level of realism.At that time I did`nt even know what a 300b tube was.

In those days I had very little awareness(actually none) of DHT tube,class A and no NFB vs the alternative(and dominant) pentode/ultra linear mode with feedback.All I knew is that I was hearing something very different more organic and quite honestly, better.I know your amplifier gets you to the core and emotion of your music.
Regards,

Well, what a faux pas!! I omitted the word "not" from my post totally changing the intent.

Lenny, I went back and re-read your post and put the "NOT" in the appropriate place and it made much more scents.