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Tubes vs. solid state.

I just switched back to my ss equipment and can't see how I listened to ss for so many years and thought that I had a good system, maybe the equipment needs to be left on for some time.
But regardless of that, the difference is startling. I know that my tube equipment is not the same degree of excellence as my ss, but now ss sounds lean, thin lifeless. Have my listening priorities changed? One thing I noticed; my listening perception adapts to the sound present in the room. As I write this the sound is improving incremently.
Anyone share the same experience??
I will post as I will continue to listen and notice differences.
Ss is simaudio p-5 w-5, tubes are Cj premier 4 amp and audio experience a2se preamp.
Are there ss preamps that will satisfy or am I smitten by bubes I mean tubes.
pedrillo
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
PLease list the ss equipment that sounds as good as tubes, I am really intersted as I love the sound of tubes but hate to give up what ss offers.
I like my tube preamp but dislike the bass roll-off and the hum.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
01-26-10: Pedrillo
PLease list the ss equipment that sounds as good as tubes...
You're kidding right? This is a no-win question.

As soon as someone gives an honest opinion of an amp that qualifies, someone else is going to come and piss on the suggestion.

The likely candidates have been mentioned over and over again in dozens of ss vs. tubes threads. Do a search for the recommendations, and then try one for yourself and let your ears decide.
paulfolbrecht
586 posts
 
Tvad is right.

And your tubed preamp should not be doing the bad things you say it is. It is easy enough to make a valved pre completely wide-bandwidth and quiet.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
As someone who tends to prefer ss, I will admit that I like tube equipment much more than tube zealots.
argyro
438 posts
 
To me, a GOOD tube design, sounds a lot more like live music and connects you emotionally with what you listen.

Also, quite interestingly, I have always found tube bass to be more real than solid state. More powerfull, more intimate, more like the pure power of a thunder than power from an electric installation (ss).
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