Tubes vs Solid State


I have have been listening to music all my life but have only recently started experimenting with different amplifier and/or speakers/component combinations. I have recently moved from Parasound JC 1's to Classe Cam 400 monoblocks which I have both loved (maybe the prior a bit more) and are contemplating another move. I have been very intrigued by tube monoblocks and have the opportunity now to move to ARC ref 600's. I can also get Mark Levinson 33's for about the same cost. I am just uncertain about the Ref 600's as I am worried that I might be disappointed in the tube sound.

Can someone with more experience perhaps help me out here ? I am using the amps as part of a home-theatre setup driving 802 d's and other 800 diamond fronts and rears. I would really appreciate some good advice here.
128x128gfdt

Showing 1 response by gshepardbuster

For movies plus music I would stay with SS. The big AR 600s would likely be seductive for acoustical tracks but may(??) lack the immediacy of SS on movies and driving rock. As others have stated tubes can be quite a treat but do require maintenance and can create a lot of heat. For your speakers and application SS would be my choice, IMO my 800ds are fantastic with big SS monos with all genres.