I agree with Douglas_schroeder, Brauser and Charles1dad.
Some audiophiles are not meant for vacuum tube amplification gear. Just as many people are not meant for owning and caring for house plants or pets. Vacuum tubes are finicky and temperamental.
However, Scott, that absolutely does not mean you should be sad or ashamed that you must now settle for solid state. In this regard, I agree with Brauser.
Moreover, as Brauser has said, No whining. When I started out, I had no one to help me with vacuum tubes. I relied instead on audio magazines, articles and books. Today, you have the Internet and access to thousands of posts and forums, as well as the locations of nearby tube-centric audiophiles, something I never had. Go out and ask for help from a tube guy or gal to choose and install a tube component for you.
Some audiophiles are not meant for vacuum tube amplification gear. Just as many people are not meant for owning and caring for house plants or pets. Vacuum tubes are finicky and temperamental.
However, Scott, that absolutely does not mean you should be sad or ashamed that you must now settle for solid state. In this regard, I agree with Brauser.
Moreover, as Brauser has said, No whining. When I started out, I had no one to help me with vacuum tubes. I relied instead on audio magazines, articles and books. Today, you have the Internet and access to thousands of posts and forums, as well as the locations of nearby tube-centric audiophiles, something I never had. Go out and ask for help from a tube guy or gal to choose and install a tube component for you.