just a question : what if a tube in a pre blows? will it cause any damage to the SS amp, no matter how slightest? as i saw someone posting says tube amp blows will damage speakers..
SS amp as opposed to tube amp
I'm writing this primarily for "newbies". I have both sets, tube pre and SS amp in bed room; tube pre and tube amp in the listening room.
Recently, I've been doing critical "unbiased" listening. Before, I was listening with bias towards the tube amp. I just installed "NOS" tubes in the pre with the SS amp, and I can hear every nuance those fantastic tubes are delivering.
While there is no way I would ever have a SS pre, I'm not at all sure about the differences between a transparent SS amp, and tube pre.
Someone has already mentioned the cost of retubing. If that's a factor, I vote for the SS amp; also tube amps kick out as much heat as a fireplace, definitely not for the bed room.
Since I'm the kind of audiophile who wants the best sound possible, even if it's imaginary, I'll stick with a tube amp for the listening room.
In conclusion, tube amp or SS amp is almost a toss up with this audiophile.