2. amps-preamps
  3. 1334720746

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.
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Showing 1 response by sndsrtaud

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sndsrtaud
38 posts
 
I’ve been there and for many years (about 15) I listened exclusively to tubes. 6550, 5881, 300B, EL-84. IT was fun...kind of. There was always the issues of re-tubing and finding decent tubes. It got to the point where I just wanted to listen to music and not live in angst worrying about how the tubes were doing.

I agree with Elizabeth that going to a tube pre-amp is pretty painless, but amplifiers are whole different story especially in the power range you’re looking at.

I’ll also echo Ralph’s advice. There’s a reason B&W was marketed with Krell gear.
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