Can some one please explain me why Tubes Amp ?

[hottyson]

This is a fun thread since everyones answer will be subjective.

Many years ago, I came to the conclusion that I would never own a tube amplifier. I thought to myself how absurd the prices were for tube amplifiers when modern and less expensive solid state electronics could be produced with very good results. (Such as the Meta42, and Cmoy.) I thought of tube amplifiers as "imperfect" gear that was way over priced. Good tube amplifier prices neared the $800 price point except for a few highly regarded amps and kits from some guy named Dr. Peppard. At the time, many of the less expensive tube amplifiers looked bulky, and as if built in someone's garage. Fast forward to today and times have changed. I have witnessed tube amplifier prices fall to unbelievably low prices that I can now afford. There are a variety of tube or hybrid tube headphone amplifiers that can be found between $100 and $200. How can I resist such good sound at these prices?

For me, low cost tube amplifiers have opened up an entirely new world. To my ears some tubes create a beautifully colored sound. For the last few months, I have chosen my hybrid tube amp over solid state exclusively for all of my headphone listening. (With the exception of surround movie watching.) My gut feeling tells me that solid state is a better, cleaner, logical, and perfect design. However when comparing end results, tubes ultimately win my ears and heart over.

 

[WarriorAnt]

Hottyson,

Which hybrid tube amp do you use?

 

[hottyson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarriorAnt /img/forum/go_quote.gif Hottyson, Which hybrid tube amp do you use?

I use the Little Dot I+ ($109 + shipping) with upgraded op-amp to LT1364 ($7) with various tubes.
Unbelievable sound when paired with my Grado SR225. My ears still can't believe the price.

 

[plonter]

i own an headroom ultra stack right now, and i am interested in getting in the tubes world. if i may ask a few questions..:

1. do all tubes can be matched with all tube amps..?

2.would like to get some recommendations on good tube amp to begin with,but not from the buttom. i got used to fine ss sound from my ultra micro stack(dac+amp) so i need something in the same level or up. and also some tube recommendations and whare to find them?

3. how much time a tube can be used before it need to be replaced,and how do i know when it is time to replace it?

4.how to switch tubes..? is the amp need to be off when switching?

thx for all the replies!

 

[Skylab]

1. No - amps will work only with the tube types they were designed with, although in most cases this still means a pretty healthy variety of tubes that can be used. For example, if an amp uses a 6SN7, there are literally hundreds of different variants - brands, different construction, etc.

2. I have reviewed quite a few: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...e-amps-402585/

3. This varies, but generally at least 5000 hours.

4. the amp must be off, yes, and for at least long enough for the tubes to have cooled off.

 

[plonter]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif 1. No - amps will work only with the tube types they were designed with, although in most cases this still means a pretty healthy variety of tubes that can be used. For example, if an amp uses a 6SN7, there are literally hundreds of different variants - brands, different construction, etc. 2. I have reviewed quite a few: http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f5/rev...e-amps-402585/ 3. This varies, but generally at least 5000 hours. 4. the amp must be off, yes, and for at least long enough for the tubes to have cooled off.

thx skylab. about your first comment...and how do i know what tubes my amp needs? is it writen somewhere on it?
i will read the reviews, thanks alot!

 

[Skylab]

Yes, any tube amp will come with a set of tubes that will work, and it will also tell you what kind of tubes it needs.

 

[Happy Camper]

Plonter,

Whatever amp you get will be discussed and supported by many brethern with tuberolling for it. A picture of a tube will be IDed and supplier found with best prices for you with just a hint of humility in your request. This is Head-Fi after all.

 

[plonter]

wow,thanks guys! i will start investigating the subject and keep you informed.
head fi is sure a great place to be!
i hope a tube amp will go well with my new rs-1. they a little too piercing with my ultra micro with several recordings,maybe a tube amp will warm it up a little.

 

[csommers]

I absolutely LOVE tube amps! Part of the reason is a nostalgia factor, and another is the sound they can give. The warmth they can potentially add is something I enjoy.