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 hedgehog

hedgehog's avatar
hedgehog
183 posts
 
First off, it sounds like you might want to look for a new dealer. At the very least, they ought to allow you to take home a demo unit for a couple days...with a deposit of course.

I will agree with Marakanetz on the VTL recommendation. I've owned the ST-85, MB-125 mono's and currently own the ST-150. Other than adjusting bias, none of the amps have presented any trouble.

I've owned solid state as well (Bryston, Plinius), but I always come back to tubes. When you're ready to listen to the music and not the gear, to feel the emotion and artistry in the music, tubes deliver the goods.
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