Tube or solid state

"However, my hard-core audio friends (20+ people) have almost all made the transition to a predominantly tube system during our shared 20-30+ years of audio journey. Maybe that tells something."

This is an interesting comment, in that I not only went through it myself doing the gamut of cheap SS, better SS, good SS, hybrid, and ultimately on to good tubes, but my journey also mirrors the majority of serious audio guys who’s journeys I’ve witnessed. When I was younger, you would have had a hard time convincing me that lower powered tube gear in triode mode would sound better to me at some point than my bullet proof 250 watt per channel SS amp! 😉

We all have unique sensitivities that require a music system that can uniquely satisfy our tastes....and tastes do change, There’s no wrong way to do it if you get there, but there is always the chance that you’ll still morph towards a different sound. Some people want their systems to sound like a dance club, others want it to sound like a symphony hall. Neither is wrong, but we all need to pick the sound that best matches our reference, whether it be row 10 center, front row balcony, or the mash pit.

Yes, definitely tastes change over time. I climbed mountains, jumped out of airplanes, and dove below 120’ in the ocean. As I got older I more in tune with more subtle and nuanced sound. Street racing of one’s youth becomes a passion for high performance Farari and Maserati later in life… one learns. I don’t like cars… but Kurt Vonnegut has been replaced by Tolstoy and Henry James for sure. Onkyo replaced by Audio Research.

i like the tubey sound of the rega brio amp. unfortunately the little thing runs at least as hot as real tube equipment. but it sounds sweet. 

Solid state.  Based on my amplification (Yamaha RX-Z9 in Pure Direct vs Melton P/P KT-88s) the highs are so much crisper and articulated through the Great Heils.  Levels are matched to within 0.1 dB.

https://youtu.be/HTxZJBoOywM

https://youtu.be/FDIu2BFbt-Q

https://youtu.be/W66SQS1wDUA

https://youtu.be/ZxhDJ_eOlYw

So much of it all comes down to your budget. I’ve had numbers of tube amps That I’ve loved like the VTL Ichibon’s however, I don’t want that much heat and tubes to maintain. I use an auto bias S 200 amp now and I’m thrilled with the push button ease You’re never gonna get the holographic sound out of solid state that you get out of tubes. A good newer, Pre Amp, like a Conrad Johnson ET5 or something that has one tube is perfect. In my mind. I still have solid state back ups but there’s no need to run those amps unless I have catastrophic failure &  less is more with regard to Tube’s. Something that has for kt120 tubes is plenty but it’s also all about matching as I don’t like EL34 tubes with my Harbeth. It’s too Syrupy, but with horns, it would be great My gear plays rock ‘n’ roll. Perfect but I have a nice Rel sub to tighten that bottom end. Enjoy whatever you do