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 tubegroover

tubegroover
2,320 posts
 
John

You have been an audiophile for over 20 years and never owned a tube amp? You mean to say that you're going to the grave without trying a tube amp? Before transistor amps what were there? You want encouragement maybe?

I'm with Twl on the Berning. Low maintenance, self biasing, and amazing clarity, grain free, harmonic integrity and no ringing. 20 year estimated output tube life according to Dr. Berning who has a track record to back it up. This is one to try if you don't want the hassle of tubes but want the experience. And it doesn't have an output transformer to boot.

Thanks Killer Piglet for the link. I do think the writer of that post has got it convoluted though. A tube amp is the one more like Lassie, sweet, and lovable requiring more attention and in turn offering an involving musical experience. Oh so you have to brush her hair every now and then. Is that such a sacrifice for true love? Like Taylor/Burton, Gable/Lombard, Antony/Cleopatra, all great loves involve some degree of maintenance. A ss amp is more like the red-headed stepchild, always there when expected but one takes less notice over time; IMHO, of course :)
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