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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
mlsstl
694 posts
 
I'll nominate this series of posts as the frontrunner for the 2009 award for which thread has most outlived its usefulness. ;-)
tholt
545 posts
 
05-22-09: Mlsstl
I'll nominate this series of posts as the frontrunner for the 2009 award for which thread has most outlived its usefulness. ;-)
Mlsstl (Reviews | Answers)

Totally disagree. To me, this has been a very useful thread, albeit taking on more of a life then the OP anticipated.
foster_9
1,610 posts
 
Ditto Tholt, I disagree with you too M1sst1. I've never owned a tube amp but have owned hybrid int's and tubed players. As one who has been sitting on the sidelines, I continue to consider trying tubes. This is the best thread I've seen to help "flesh out" the pros and cons of owning and using tubed electronics; very helpful and thought provoking analysis here.
mlsstl
694 posts
 
I've got a tube amp and love it. It's not for everyone.

Question: how many times do the same advantages and disadvantages need to be repeated?
mitch2
1,911 posts
 
I have gone back and forth between tube and SS preamps, and cd players, even trying those known for "the closest to tube-like sound," such as Tom Evans Vibe/Pulse.
I now have tubes in each of my components, cd, preamp, and amps.
Three things clinched it for me:
First, I realized that for me, tubed gear simply conveys the emotion of recorded music in a way that I have not matched using SS equipment.
Second, I decided to quit obsessing about NOS tubes (and I have owned many). I determined the small loss (of whatever) to the sound quality that some perceive from using less expensive or new tubes is not worth the angst that comes from purchasing and maintaining high cost NOS tubes. I found a very good tube vendor (and a couple of good back-up vendors) and have purchased new or less expensive NOS tubes that do not break the bank. That way, if I want to leave equipment on all weekend, I am not concerned about tube life, etc. since I can replace each of my tubes relatively inexpensively. Another benefit is that new tubes are often quieter IME.
Third, and finally, I found my sweet spot using Lamm equipment with their fully tubed LL2 Deluxe preamp and their hybrid (one single tube per amp) class A M1.1 monos. The hybrid amps give me the power I need, and also the midrange richness and dimension tubes are known for.

I would say buy the tube amps, plan on using less expensive new tubes from a good vendor, and enjoy the music.
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