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2 channel Poll: Vote: Do you use Tubes or SS?

after using tubes for almost 12 years now, 2 of those using hybrids, i am now going to use Solid State amps for the 1st time in my audio life. Reasons? I have too many high maitanence things in my life (job,girlfriend car, not in any particular order) and can't see using 16 output tubes in addition to the 32 I use for source gear. So the question, of the memebers here, chime in, do you use SS or Tubes??

Btw: this isnt a Tubes vs SS is better thread.
128x128justlisten
lakefrontroad
302 posts
 
Just replaced Levinson 335 with Tenor 75's. Only other device is mixed tube/ss, Audio Aero Capitole. Deciding on phono stage, probably tubed.
sutts
668 posts
 
2-ch system- all tube. 4 highly modded/rebuilt tube monoblocks in a bi-amp setup- a pair of GTA Solo 300B's on mids/highs; and a pair of Altec 1570 BT's (170 wpc in triode using only a pair of 811 output tubes) on bass. HT system- SS (Theta Dreadnaught amp)
rec
319 posts
 
I use both in my system, tube Audio Research preamp, ss Jeff Rowland amplifier and Herron Audio tube phono stage . I have had tubes since the mid 1960's and love the sound but currently ss amplifier works better for my lifestyle. I found that the Jeff Rowland amplifier is the best ss amp I have heard in my system.
sugarbrie
3,854 posts
 
I am usually exposed to live classical music weekly, so my ears stay in tune. This week 4 times. Monday was St. Petersburg Philharmonic/Temirkanov; this Thursday is the Beaux Arts Trio (Chamber), Friday is Baltimore Symphony (not Temirkanov), and Saturday is Choral; so a good mix.


Nothing compares to live music, so how do Tubes/SS compare to live to my ears? Tubes can tend to be bland and Solid State bright. Folks seem to primarily adjust tube gear by changing tubes; solid state by changing cables. I find it easier to get it pretty close to right with SS and cables. If I ever try tubes again, it will likely be a preamp only. For me the combination of tube pre and SS amp, can bring together the best of both worlds, without too much work/hastle.

aroc
760 posts
 
All SS here.I've never used tubes in my life. I'd like to try a BAT vk-3i or vk-5i hybrid-tube amp on the used market, likely pairing it with a VK-200 or VK-500.
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