2. amps-preamps
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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
olesonmd
5 posts
 
What is the ultimate goal of any design, SS, or Tube? Is it not the uncolored and neutral/faithful reproduction of the original recording?
I will argue that any well engineered, well executed design will accomplish this goal. Tubes, as well as solid state designs, are equally capable.
In a press release a few years ago from McIntosh, the statement was made that their SS gear was superior to their tube equipment.
I own tubes, as well as SS. They are both very good.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
Anyone here interested in what Chaos Theory has to say about amplification?
unsound
6,115 posts
 
Ralph, yes! And don't spare any of the details.
sciguy47
1 posts
 
Is it that live music is often reinforced by tube amplified equipment? I have read that many musicians prefer tube amplifiers over solid state, and, if true, then "live performances" would be closer to a home stereo system powered by tubes.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Instrument amps are often vintage tubed gear...especially guitar amps and some organ speakers, etc.

However, depending on the size of the venue, the instrument amps are then reinforced through the PA system and mixed with the drums. The PA system is generally solid state, as far as I'm aware.

So, the concept of a live performance being powered by tubes gets a little fuzzy...no pun intended.
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