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Re: Tubes or Solid State?

Hi Eric,

I've lived with tubes now for about 2 months, and in that short period of time I've come to appreciate the "tube sound" that everyone "over there --> " have been talking about. I had considered going the tube preamp/SS amp route, as well as, tube integrated amp, but in the end I wanted options and buying a separate tube amp and preamp gave me that.

The maintenance of both preamp and amp is quite easy, including the biasing of the output tubes of the amp (in fact, alot easier than I assumed). The one downside (or upside, depending on who you talk to) is that you have to invest in quality tubes to maximize the potential of the equipment, and this includes trying out different tubes. This is where the cost issue comes in. If I had bought, lets say the Audio Analogue Puccini SE Integrated SS amp ($1,200(?)) I would have improved the quality of the sound of my system and the cost would have ended there. But since I decided to go separate and tubes, in addition to the base cost ($3,000) I have poured money into quality tubes and replacement tubes; not just output tubes (2A3, 300B), but drivers (6SN7), and preamp tubes (12AT7, 12AU7, 12AX7). This adds up. But, so far I haven't regretted it. Its more costly for sure, especially since I'm chasing NOS tubes, but it gives me the opportunity to try out different sounds, textures, etc. which I would not have been able to do with SS.

Without patience these variables can be frustrating (I am currently trying to synergistically incorporate my preamp with the rest of my system). In that sense, tubes require much more attention and care, but I believe (and am hoping) the end reward should really far outweigh any of the hardwork in getting everything to fit. So, for me I decided to upgrade not just my preamp or amp, but simultaneously, my speakers, CDP and TT.

Jose


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