[BELMONT]

Another newbie question from yours truly.

I've been told by a few colleagues of mine to look into tube based amps to drive a good set of headphones. Can someone elaborate as to why one would recommend a tube based amp? What's the alternative?

 

[rvmeush]

An alternative would be a solid state (i.e. transistor) based amplifier. There are pros and cons for both types of amplifiers.

 

[zombietycho]

If ^ wasn't clear enough. Tube amps acually have vacuum tubes in them. Solid state amps use resistors and things of the sort.

 

[BELMONT]

Ok, now what would make one amp better than the other? The poster above said there were pros and cons to each.

Can someone elaborate?

 

[usc goose]

solid state = bass and treble extension, little distortion, clipping, muss or fuss. best for cold analytic transperancy, attack and fast response.

tube = lush full midrange and old school cool. not that they can't match up to the solid state characteristics but it takes more money, time and tuberolling (switching out tubes to find best sound)

then there's the whole voltage and amperage thing. basically tubes are better suited to higher impedances. getting more into physics here.

these are how i understand the differences to be anyways.

 

[john_jcb]

Here is a link that has some of the information you are looking for.

http://www.soundstage.com/noisy04.htm

Remember there are enthusiasts that are extremely passionate about both sides of this discussion. When you read opinions remember that they are perhaps colored by this passion. I have heard both tube and solid state gear and each has its virtues. If possible before buying take the time to audition each type and see which your ears prefer. Something else that is not said often enough, no amplifier no matter how good it is will improve the sound out of a poor source. Striking a balance between your components is important.

 

[BELMONT]

You guys rock,

Thanks!

 

[D-EJ915]

The bad thing about tubes is that they "warm up" literally, although probably not a big deal with headphone amps, it's something to watch out for in a high-power speakers ser-up (although the sunfire classic preamp is wicked{2500 bucks})

 

[Dusty Chalk]

Quote:

Originally posted by usc goose solid state = bass and treble extension, little distortion, clipping, muss or fuss. best for cold analytic transperancy, attack and fast response. tube = lush full midrange and old school cool. not that they can't match up to the solid state characteristics but it takes more money, time and tuberolling (switching out tubes to find best sound)

Just for the record (and I'm sure goose knows this), those are generalizations, and not necessarily accurate. For example, I've never had any problem with frequency extension (except for the most extreme bass and treble) in any of my amps, including the cheapest tube ones.

 

[usc goose]

master say there are many paths that all lead to same mountaintop.

 

[Dusty Chalk]

grasshopper say, Whatchoo talkin' 'bout, Willis?

 

[elnero]

Quote:

Originally posted by D-EJ915 The bad thing about tubes is that they "warm up" literally, although probably not a big deal with headphone amps, it's something to watch out for in a high-power speakers ser-up (although the sunfire classic preamp is wicked{2500 bucks})

Burning yourself on a big fat ole 845 tube just sucks.

 

[dustinyo]

how long does a tube usually last before having to replace it?

 

[usc goose]

depends on how you use it. how often you turn it on and off. what kind of temperature it runs at and around. isn't the record something ridiculous like a few hundred thousand hours? (in some radio station i think were it was always on)

 

[john_jcb]

Quote:

Originally posted by dustinyo how long does a tube usually last before having to replace it?

It really depends on the circuit design and how they are operated.
In many designs the tubes are in stand by mode when not in use. When the amp is plugged into the wall outlet the heater, filament will come on to heat the tube. When switched on the high voltage is activated. Tubes can last for years in this configuration. If no power is applied in the off position and the user turns it on and off quite often tube life may be impacted.