Yamski: You may also want to read through Audioasylum.com (the tube and SET asylums). I cannot think of any cut and dried answers to your questions, and you will see why after spending some time at these sites. When you get more involved and start selecting specific products, the AA site also has a "complete" word search feature which will help you to locate specific posts on a specific product or subject. Also ask here (at this site) about specific products and general compatiblity issues, when you are ready. Also make am effort to listen to various tube products (as many as possible as most sound different).
intro to tubes
Could some one give me any sites on introduction to tube audio. I'm looking to find answers concerning: What's so great about tubes? How long do tubes last? Are tubes expensive? Are tubes still manufactured(why do i hear so much about vintage tubes)? How are tube amps differet from solid state? What are the benefits? any help would be great. I just think they look cool. I know that newbies in the hobby get shafted on message boards, but please take the time to answer my questions.