2. amps-preamps
  3. 1027038014

Is a tube amp for me?

I've been an 'audiophile' for over 20 years. I've experimented with tubed preamps unsucessfully (I should add that later I found out the problem was a ground loop hum with my cable company, which didn't affect solid state preamps). I've been a SS guy for the rest of my audio life. Reliability is of utmost importance to me, and tube horror stories have scared me off. Sound quality is also very important, but not at the cost of chronic repairs. I currently am driving a pair of Vienna Acoustic Beethovens (4 ohms, 91 db sens) with a Threshold T400 amp (300 wpc into 4 ohms). I also have a Classe CP-60 and CDP-1.
I've listened to a BAT VK-60 and a Cary V-12 at a local dealer. The dealer would not let me bring the amps home, they sounded very good in his showroom. My question to you, my A-gon friends, is, is it worth the risk to try a tube amp? Or is it all hype? Should I just stick with my old, reliable Class A SS? What do ya say? Thanks for any input.
I should add that I couldn't afford to 'try' a tube amp without selling/trading my current amp (Threshold T-400). So it's not just a matter of trying a tube amp and keeping my SS amp in case things don't work out.

Regards,
John
128x128jmcgrogan2

Showing 1 response by bmotorcycle

bmotorcycle
68 posts
 
No one can answer the question, "what is better for me".

Are tube amps all hype, maybe that can be answered, and again maybe not. Speaking for my self and 20+ years playing in this hobby tube amps are not all hype. I have had the very first generation of the Krell amps, the first Roland amps in between owning Audio Research, Music Reference, conrad johnson tube amps and I always came back to a tube based system. I am currently using a Cary V12 and a little known tube preamp and couldn't be happier. A friend of mine has a Wadia 850 running direct into a one of the Pass amps (not sure which one, but a new one) and I frankly wouldn't want that as my system. This friend of mine would also tell you he wouldn't want my system, so this debate will go on and on and on. This friend is also never happy with his system and is always trying new things. If you buy used (the Cary V12) and didn't like it you should be able to sell it for what you paid for it or close to and buy back into the SS camp. My guess is you won't.........Bob
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