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
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jmcgrogan2 OP
6,346 posts
 
Thanks for all the great feedback. A lot has happened in my personal life since I originated this post, which currently precludes me from following this further at this time. I did listen to the BAT vs. the V-12i at my dealer this weekend and I preferred the BAT. However, he didn't offer me much on my Threshold, so I guess I'll have to sell privately. I also had the clothes dryer in my home die on Friday, the hot water heater give out on Sunday, and my wife e-mail me this morning that a power window broke on her car. So I guess I'll have to put off this quest for another time. I will look for another dealer though, as many of you seem to think it is not unreasonable to able to borrow equipment.
Thanks again for all your time and responses. It may take a couple of months, but I will let you know if and when I make any changes.

Regards,
John
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