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2 channel Poll: Vote: Do you use Tubes or SS?

after using tubes for almost 12 years now, 2 of those using hybrids, i am now going to use Solid State amps for the 1st time in my audio life. Reasons? I have too many high maitanence things in my life (job,girlfriend car, not in any particular order) and can't see using 16 output tubes in addition to the 32 I use for source gear. So the question, of the memebers here, chime in, do you use SS or Tubes??

Btw: this isnt a Tubes vs SS is better thread.
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Showing 3 responses by sugarbrie

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I guess we agree Karls. Same reason I like CJ and BC. I've heard BAT tube gear but no SS yet. Will have to check it out.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I guess I am with Davewavaolcom.... I seem to go for solid state from makers known for great tube gear (Conrad Johnson/Motif and Blue Circle); those known for being similar to tube sound (YBA); and those known for getting analog sound out of digital (Stan Warren mods).

I've owned tube gear. They were nice, but I am back to solid state. Same hastle factor; I am busy; sound would not be the same when tubes went bad and replacements were different; it drove me nuts.

sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I am usually exposed to live classical music weekly, so my ears stay in tune. This week 4 times. Monday was St. Petersburg Philharmonic/Temirkanov; this Thursday is the Beaux Arts Trio (Chamber), Friday is Baltimore Symphony (not Temirkanov), and Saturday is Choral; so a good mix.


Nothing compares to live music, so how do Tubes/SS compare to live to my ears? Tubes can tend to be bland and Solid State bright. Folks seem to primarily adjust tube gear by changing tubes; solid state by changing cables. I find it easier to get it pretty close to right with SS and cables. If I ever try tubes again, it will likely be a preamp only. For me the combination of tube pre and SS amp, can bring together the best of both worlds, without too much work/hastle.

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