To all tube lovers.......


To all the tube lovers out there: If you COULD NOT listen to a tube amp and you HAD to go solid state or digital, what amp would you get to replace your tubes? I've always been a tube guy. Every amp I've ever owned has been a tube amp. However, I may get a new speaker that is 88 db @ 4 (maybe 6), ohm. If so, I must get a higher powered amp. Keep in mind, I"m not just looking for any amp. Preferably 100 watts or more. Solid state? Digital? I've heard wonderful and not-so-wonderful feedback on Nuforce and Spectral in the digital camp.

I just don't want to regret getting out of tubes just so I can change speakers.
devilboy

Showing 2 responses by mmike84

If you're really a tube guy I don't think you'll find a SS amp that you'll want long term. I've owned a lot of them including many that have been mentioned, and others. At first you'll be enamored by the clarity and resolution, but you'll grow tired of it wondering why you never listen to an entire song anymore. Eventually you'll realize it's the SS amp and you'll be back on the merry go round. Not that there's anything wrong with the merry go 'round if that's what you want. ;)

However based on the specs you have given for your new speakers I'd be very surprised if you couldn't find a push pull tube amp that would sound better overall than SS. I own two VAC Phi 200's that I used on an 83 DB 4 ohm electrostat and they sounded great. Better than any SS amp I tried. However an even better idea is to find a speaker that is more efficient so you can use tubes with no trade offs.

What are these speakers?
In my early days I spent a lot of time with both Krell and Ayre and they do not sound like tubes. I think people mention them because they like them, but they do not fit the criteria of the OP.