01-27-09: Mapman
There is no right answer but I think tube pre and good SS amp can deliver all the goods in more applications more cost effectively and more reliably over time than can all tubes.
All tubes will cost more and have more limited application depending on speakers and will also probably require more maintenance over time than many might be comfortable with.
A few carefully placed tubes is a cheaper and easier way to go.
Not to say that some of the best sounding systems out there may well be all tube systems.
While I cannot disagree with Mapman, as far as reliability goes, SS is the king, if that is your primary concern. For more years than I care to remember, I went with the tube preamp/ SS amp camp, and while it was very nice, I now realize that NO SS amp, no matter how 'tube-like' the claims, can stand up to a tube amp. In fact, if I could go back in time, I'd say the tube amp gives you more of the 'tube flavor' than the tube preamp, and recommend a SS preamp/tube amp over a tube preamp/SS amp.
I've been using tube preamps for many years, and I have had a couple of tubes go bad. I have only been using tube preamps/tube amps for a couple of years now, and I have not had a bad tube yet......knock wood, though I have modified the sound as much, if not more so than cables by switching tubes (more so in the preamp, but also definitely in the amp).
Yes, I fully agree that SS is more reliable for preamps, amps, CDP's and DAC's, however, the musicality of tubes is sooooo much better, IMHO. Add the fun of tube rolling (you cannot change the way a SS preamp/amp, etc sounds) and I cannot see myself going back to SS unless I become broke and/or deaf.
I should also state though, that I do seem to prefer SS phono preamps over tube phono stages. I do believe that the best I have heard is a SS phono preamp/tube preamp/ tube amp. Also, if you have very difficult to drive speakers, you may be better with a SS amp.
FWIW, I'd change speakers.
Cheers,
John
