it get you the "tube sound" without the expense of a tube power amp. Tube amps tend to be expensive (even more so for powerful ones). Plus the power output tubes in a tube amp wear out more often and cost more than line level tubes. Hence the appeal of tube DACs, phono stages, and linestages. Costs and inconvenience aside, I still prefer tube amps over tube linestages and DACs. You get more of the tube sound that way.
I prefer tube amps, but most speakers aren't optimally driven with tubes. Which lessens the appeal for most everyone else.
I prefer tube amps, but most speakers aren't optimally driven with tubes. Which lessens the appeal for most everyone else.