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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
tvad
9,467 posts
 
can you find a set of speakers that meet the following:

1. flat impedance curve
2. larger woofers (> 11")
3. no built-in amps
4. plays down to 30Hz (-3dB)
Vett93 (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers)

I believe the T-1 and T-3 by Classic Audio Reproductions fit the description.

The Audiokinesis Jazz Module and Dream Maker speakers come close (flat impedance curve, 10" woofer, extension to 32Hz). The Daedalus Ulysses comes close (flat impedance curve, extension to 28Hz, 8" dual woofers). The Klipsch Forte II also comes close (extension to 32Hz, 12" woofer).

You're right, though. Finding a speaker that exactly meets all four of your criteria is difficult.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
"What do you see as the downside of tubes?"
I provided a list. That doesn't mean all tube users will experience all the items on the list. That doesn't mean that the upside might not outweight the downside. The question doesn't ask for a comparison with other technologies. To suggest that I'm smoking something, am on something, or that I have been traumatized by tube use is suggestive (at least to me) of defensive behaviour by those posters. Those who have read my past posts know that I strongly believe that in most cases speakers should suggest what might be the best amplifiers to use. I think that makes it pretty obvious that I also believe that tubes amps might be the best choice for some. I have even recommended some tube amplifiers for some users right here on Audiogon. That said, I stand by my original post as to what I see as the downside of tubes.
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.
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