Should I got full tubes or stick with hybrid amps?


I currently have a Jolida 1501. I like it but I think I have upgraditis. I originally bought it (hybrid) because I’m really sensitive to highs (get a headache). It’s been good to me and I can listen without fatigue.

To help with upgraditis, I just bought a Yamaha AS801 to try out and although it definitely sounds good and has nice detail it is creating a little fatigue for me. I’m still in the break-in period so this may smooth out a bit.  (I definitely like having bass/treble controls).

Thinking about picking up a full tube amp or another hybrid for comparison. I don’t know much about other manufacturers of tubes/hybrids.

What’s the difference (sonically) between a hybrid and a full tube amp? Any recommendations?

Thanks!!
soundchasr

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

Am I right that the hybrid should have the warmth of the tube amps and the bass of SS? So, the best of both worlds?
Brightness is caused by distortion when it comes to amplifiers. This is why so many traditional solid state amps have sounded bright over the last 60 years- its not a trivial matter although it is treated that way. Quite literally its why tubes are still around! If I were you, I would consider going to separates rather than an integrated approach, and then use a tube preamp and sort out what sort of power amp is going to do the job for you.