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 jayarr

jayarr
117 posts
 
John,
I recently made the switch from ss to tubes. I agree with the above that tubes bring you closer to the source--music. They have a "see thru" quality that ss can't match. There are many tubes amps nowadays that are auto-biasing,built like a tank, conservatively driven that will last years without fuss. However, tube amps need alot more care with speaker matching. It is important to match the right amp with the right speaker. SS is alot more convenient in that it is "plug and play".BTW, I have found the ss amps that sound "tubey" to be warm sounding while tube amps in general to sound more neutral. Once this is done, you're in for an enjoyable musical ride. Don't be afraid to take the plunge. I haven't regretted it and am not going back to ss. I own a Berning amp and am very happy with it(basically like ss--plug and play).
More to discover