Tube vs. SS Dilemma


Hi there Audiogon Community
Need some serious help and don’t know who to talk to but you guys. I have been upgrading my system for the past year and a half now, selling and buying stuff. First I went the tube route, bought an Atlas Magnum Amp, Cary SLP 03 Tube Preamp, was dreaming the liquidy tube dream, was amazed at the upgrade from an old and tired hybrid amp I had. Sources: estoteric DV50 for cd and vinyl via a Lenco TT and Ear Phono. Mainly listen to jazz, classic rock and some bits of classical.
But got a hold of a Mark Levinson Preamp, a 380 model and had a spare Krell 250a amp, hook the esoteric cd player to this second setup and was just blown away, I always thought that my heart would always be glowing with tubes or at least a tube/ss setup, but man am I enjoying the SS turn, the bass carácter of the Krell is addictive.
So my question is: What is happening? Am I just shocked “temporarily” by the ML/Krell combo? Should I just wait for a while and do a second and third shootout between setups? Or the fact that the ML/Krell combo is much better – in terms of the models I have vs. the tube models – part of the reasons that explain the differences and should look for better tube amp/preamp before seriously comparing the two?
As soon as I listened to the ML/Krell combo, my first thought was to keep upgrading my system the ss way, instead of the tube route, but before I make drastic changes want to hear from you guys’ experience. I don’t want to make this a tube vs. ss question, therefore I hope the details of the inquiry help steer away broad answers in that regard.
Should add the speakers I’m using with all these setups: GoldenEar triton 2’s. Thanks in advance. I always enjoy reading the forum, but now I had to ask the question before declaring this a case of mild audiophile schizophrenia.
Thanks.
128x128musicgeorge11

Showing 5 responses by charles1dad

I don`t see a problem, your clearly prefer the SS components more,so you know what you like and that`s good. This should be your foundation and now you can build upon it. No one can tell you what you should like more,that`s your call.
Hi Larryi,
As you pointed out,there`s such a wide range of sound quality in tube components,you can love one and totally dislike another(same for SS gear as well). You read the forums and for some people there`s much angst and frustration with choosing and building an audio system(little apparent joy). It should be fun and pleasurable. Musicgeorge11 has the happy aspect covered already so IMO just enjoy what you`ve found and avoid the obsessive behavior that`s often found in this hobby.
Charles,
Atmasphere is right,the amp -speaker match determines so much regarding outcome. A good tube amp on a proper speaker has no problem reproduing complex musical passages. This tube amp just may not be appropriate for your speaker that`s all. But again you do seem to have a very good match with your SS electronics so everything`s fine.
Hi Larryi,
All good points as usual.
I also feel that higher quality tube equipment(with appropriate speakers) would be a more realistic comparision/assessment to his present SS components.
Charles,
Vhiner,
I think consensus was easy to establish in this case because of common sense. I f you`re truly happy with a system why screw around and change it?

I wouldn`t however draw any conclusions about tube vs SS based on the OP`s experience here.As Larryi pointed out, a higher level of tube components are available if you`re going to attempt meaningful comparisons to a relatively high level of SS gear.

Bottom line, if your system makes you happy,appreciate that and enjoy.