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What do you see as the downside of tubes?

I have decided on getting a tube amp and it will be the integrated Mastersound 300B driving a pair of Living Voice Avatars, so at least that decision has been taken.

My main question is what you see as downsides of having a tube amp. As I've decided on getting an integrated tube it's really about what the downsides are I might want to know about beforehand.

The ones I'm aware are the following.

-The tubes need to be replaced and in the case of a 300B this will be somewhat costly.

-Bias is another issue but I'm not sure how big an issue. Do you plug in your meter every so often or just when you roll tubes or replace a dead one? The meter as such isn't gonna be a big issue as I don't think it's that expensive.

-Heat won't be a big issue as we have no kids nor a nosy dog that could get burned. Hope my electricity bill isn't gonna go through the roof, but then again, I can't quite imagine that.

I'd appreciate if you could add whatever your experiences are regarding this question are as I'd like to know more before I buy it.

Thanks
krauti
jafox
1,348 posts
 
This is usually only an issue though in the summer months, as in the winter you will actually appreciate the (rather costly) space heaters!
Oh so true with a pair of CAT JL-3's here in Minnesota.
timbrepitch
21 posts
 
I agree with the above comments.

1. Some people like the sound of tubes and like (or tolerate) the process of replacement/tinkering/service/expense with them.

2. Some people do not like (or tolerate) that process, even if they the like the sound.

3. Some people could care less or haven't experienced tubes properly.
viridian's avatar
viridian
4,184 posts
 
Low damping factors that require speakers that do not need high damping in the bass. Limited load driving ability that requires speakers with sympathetic impedance curves, ie higher impedance and less variation. Sometimes, lower power that requires greater sensitivity in the partnering loudspeaker. Broadly speaking, greater cost per watt of power output. Potential exposure to high voltages, should the envelope of the vacuum tube be breached. These factors are often overlooked.
tbadder
103 posts
 
Three out of four of my tube amps don't work.
semi
646 posts
 
Major downside that has not been mentioned:

You will enjoy music so much more. Holographic imaging, silky midrange, liquid and smooth texture, air and bloom around each note, they are all addictive and intoxicating you might 1) lose sleep and listen all night long, 2) beat yourself up for not trying tube much earlier, 3) trip over cables walking in the dark to see the glowing tubes, 4) lose a few friends trying to save them from the dark side (SS).
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