[rutter]

Got the chance to audition quite a few tube and hybrid components, I still like the reliability and sheer headroom of solid state but can't argue with the refinement of what we were listening to today!

What do tubes bring to the table aside from some lower frequency warmth that may not be desired? What exactly is the refinement atypical for solid state?

 

[sheldaze]

What do tubes bring to the table aside from some lower frequency warmth that may not be desired? What exactly is the refinement atypical for solid state?

I dislike associating warmth with tube amplifiers. It is more likely related to harmonics and topology (see the link for the ECP amplifier, which I took to the mini-meet). The concept was to use a topology, common to tubes, but not to use tubes. The result is an interesting, tube-like sound.

https://www.reddit.com/r/audiophile/comments/346i9o/tubes_vs_solid_state_what_is_snake_oil_what_is/
https://www.reddit.com/r/audioengineering/comments/5rq49h/tube_vs_solid_state_amplification/
http://www.ecpaudio.com/DSHA1.shtml

In short, there are tube amplifiers, which are quite sharp - not at all warm. There are also solid-state amplifiers, which do not impart "sharpness" or what we typically hear as "solid-state". These are the amplifiers that interest me. And if you're in the area, come hear a few at the next meet.

 

[rutter]

Why buy tube amplifiers vs solid state? I've read that tubes have limited lifetimes and color sound so I'm wondering if I'm missing out on anything.

 

[Silverion77]

Why buy tube amplifiers vs solid state? I've read that tubes have limited lifetimes and color sound so I'm wondering if I'm missing out on anything.

I own a SS amp with the MHA100 and had a chance to compare it directly with one of my favorite tube amps, an awesome Elekit 8600 build with upgraded components and awesome 300B tubes. The elekit had no sense of warmth clouding it. The one thing i noticed was the holographic presentation the tubes added. Obviously a result of the harmonics the tubes add but its an amazing sensation when paired correctly that my SS cannot replicate.

 

[Reverso]

Hey Gang,

I finished the writeup of my impressions of the Niagara 1200 that I brought to last month's meetup. Long story short, it made some great improvements to my headphone and loudspeaker setup. I had no idea that power conditioning could make a difference, but it did! Now on to testing out the AGPTEK H3 that I received as a giveaway from @PJABBER.