solid state vs tubes

Tmsorosk, I agree we want equipment to sound as much like real unamplified, acoustic instruments as possible (don't think amplified, electronic instruments have a real reference). Now if tubes happen (for arguments sake)to reproduce sound that has properties closer to unamplified, acoustic instruments in a real space compared to SS generally, then an SS that could be indistinguishable from a tube amps in those properties that make tube amps sound better, than I might very well want an SS amp like that, not becuase I care about the technology used, but all things being equal it does seem easier to own an SS amp, even if you have to give up the "joys" of tube rolling to alter the sonic signature of the amp - though even there, I tend to think a tube amp sounds like its circuit design far more than whatever tubes you happen to use. It seems that Nelson Pass, for one, has always tried to make SS amps that can perform like tube amps, which he decided not to make since he felt there were already alot of good tube amps out there and preferred the challenge of making good sounding SS (not that I know him, he sort of says things in his various amp manuals from the Aleph and XA.5 series). They certainly are excellent amps, are they indistinguisable from tube amps? Well, there are alot of Pass/First Watt owners out there that might be able to add their 2 cents on that....

It seems that Nelson Pass, for one, has always tried to make SS amps that can perform like tube amps...are they indistinguisable from tube amps? Well, there are alot of Pass/First Watt owners out there that might be able to add their 2 cents on that....
Pubul57 (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

I'm a Pass fan. I've auditioned the Pass Labs XA-30.5 and owned the Pass Labs XA-60.5 for use on Silverline Audio Sonata III speakers (a great match).

I have also compared the the First Watt J2 and First Watt M2 amps with Audio Note Conquest Silver 300B amps on Audio Note AN-E/SPe HE loudspeakers. As a Pass lover, I *really* wanted the J2 or M2 to equal or surpass the Audio Note amps, but it was not the case, in my opinion. The tube amps on the AN speakers provided a more palpable and three dimensional presentation that could not convince me to sell the $14,500 Audio Note amps in favor of the $3500 First Watt amps.

As much as I wanted to put the monetary difference (and maintenance difference) in my bank account, I had no regrets returning the First Watt amps...(which could very well be superb on the right speakers).

Tvad, I had the Aleph 2,3,J and XA30.5 - I no longer have any of them, but three tube amps; I really did want to have an SS amp, so I tried some of the "best" - but with my speakers.....

Can anybody tell me a pair of speakers that sounds the same well with either tube or SS amplification?

I can think of different speaker/amp combos, some SS and some tube amps, that sound very similar, but I cannot cite a case where a tube and SS amp sounded the same with the same speakers. They will almost always sound different with different resulting sonic strengths and weaknesses, the the listener must decide which is better.

Unless you are Bob Carver and your goal is to emulate one amp with another. I do not know any vendor whose busines is based on that these days. Each quality vendor typically does their thing well, be it SS or tube amps or both. Choice of amp will determine choice of speakers or vice versa.

I think this is the bottom line. Build your system to meet your needs. Use tubes or SS as desired, but do not expect touse either to the same effect with the same speakers.

10-14-10: Mapman
Can anybody tell me a pair of speakers that sounds the same well with either tube or SS amplification?

I know that some Silverline Sonata III owners drive them with tubes, and other owners drive them with solid state. For me, tube amps never got it right, but others disagree.

I *think* Wilson owners are divided among tube and solid state.

Having said that, I doubt anyone will say the speakers sound the same driven with tubes or SS.