I have only had 2 tube amp failures. First, an Audio Research Classic 150. It went up in a puff of smoke, dimmed the lights and everything. It was repaired under warranty. Second, I had a transformer fail in an amp I built myself. Solid state, on the other hand, 4 failures, some of them multiple. I have owned more tube amps than SS. Admittedly, all but one of the SS amps was at least 18 years old, but that amp I built is now 20 years old and has only had that one bad transformer. I’ve never had a preamp fail.
Highest BUILD quality tube amps?
Not so much with sound...lots of ways to fine tune thru tube rolling, etc. I'm just curious which tube amps are built to last for many years with the least amount of repairs. I know Mcintosh comes to mind for longevity. I was snooping around on the web and Air Tight seems to be built like a tank and I've never read any poor repair histories. Luxman same thing. Any others come to mind?
- ...
- 140 posts total
- 140 posts total