solid state vs tubes

I agree with you, Phaelon. There are qualities produced by a good tube amp/speaker match that cannot be duplicated with a solid state amp/tube preamp combination.

I have heard a hybrid tube/solid state amp mated with a tube preamp come close (and frankly it was close enough to make me switch from a tube amp for a few years), but in the end I reverted back to a tube amp, and I changed speakers to allow the change.

If one wants the sound of tube amplification, then as far as I have heard thus far there is no shortcut with a sold state amp no matter how many tubes are inserted upstream.

Well, Mr. T, looks like you're doomed then.

I suppose it depends on how much distintive tube sound you relish. Probably true SS will never emulate the distinctive sound of some tube amps if that is what you want. The thing you have going though is the premise if you buy into it that some good tube and SS amps tend to sound more similar and less "tubey", which is the basis for my suggestions.

The thing you have going though is the premise if you buy into it that some good tube and SS amps tend to sound more similar and less "tubey", which is the basis for my suggestions.
Mapman (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

I agree that many good, modern tube and solid state amps sound more alike than different, but to my ears there remains a distinct difference.

I'm not sure what you mean by "tubey", but none of the tube amps I have preferred to solid state amps have what I would consider a "tubey" sound (rolled off highs, bloated, undefined bass, etc). I don't really care for those traits.

Not certain why that me dooms me either, unless you're suggesting that I'm doomed to own tube amps, which is not a doomsday scenario in my view.

Anyway, this all opinion. Nothing ever gets resolved in these discussions, and the circularity of the discussion continues ad infinitum.

the bottom line for me is that the last few hi fi shows I went to I never really liked any room that was powered with solid state amplifiers.

I would deliberatly NOT find out what was being used before listening but when I left the room I would ask - so as not to bias my opinion.

the solid state stuff sounds too flat and lifeless, the flat 2D images are stuck around the speakers, in comparison tubes have a big image and soundspace that seems full of life.

my opinion and ears...

I have to agree with Phaelon and Tvad that to meet what I find to be tube virtues, it is essential that they be in the amp, upstream tubes with SS amps is simply not the same thing, that took a long time to figure out, especially given what seems to a fairly long run recomendation of combing tubes in the pre with SS amp - a best of both worlds argument - that simply never worked that why for me. Which is not to say which is better, that might very well be a matter that can only be decided by personal preference after listening for yourself, but IF you want what is best from "tubes", I think there is no way around them being in your amps.