2 channel Poll: Vote: Do you use Tubes or SS?


after using tubes for almost 12 years now, 2 of those using hybrids, i am now going to use Solid State amps for the 1st time in my audio life. Reasons? I have too many high maitanence things in my life (job,girlfriend car, not in any particular order) and can't see using 16 output tubes in addition to the 32 I use for source gear. So the question, of the memebers here, chime in, do you use SS or Tubes??

Btw: this isnt a Tubes vs SS is better thread.
128x128justlisten
interesting responses so far,I am a tube person,now for 8 yrs,and never had a breakdown or had to replace a tube. I am amazed at the thinking,and I am sure not fact of the audiophiles that have responded.I think if you were to go to a dealer that was into tubes themselves you would have a different attitude,and a different appreciation of music
I have a tube integrated amp. It is much better than my previous SS amp (Musical Fidelity A3). I do agree on the point of differences in tubes. This could be looked at in two ways: it gives you more room to tweak the sound to your tastes or more variables to deal with if you're really busy. When I hear a similarly priced SS amp that can do the same as my Rogue Magnum Tempest, I'll definitely try it out.
Love my tube equipment--VAC,AI, & SF, and ML speakers. CAL CD player and Sota with Graham arm and Transfiguration cart. Together are wonderful and never have I had problems. After 5 or 6 years without SS; no hassles whatsoever. Would do it all over again the same way.
I use both in separate systems. Why choose when you can have both? I like tubes for most of the music I like most.
I would much rather have two(or more) different & wonderful sounding systems than spend $$$$$$$$$$ for the last 1/2 of 1% of improvement in one. In fact, I've found that certain kinds of music sound best on one or the other and the whole notion of one system delivering the "best" sound for all kinds of music is BS. Guess that's another thread.

I can't believe the number of people who have had such a hard time with tubes. Too bad. Tubes are way more fun if you have a soldering iron.

Justlisten, you do NOT need 16 output tubes in order to get a great tube sound nor do you have to spend mega $$$$.

(Tube people are all "biased")

Sincerely
I remain,
I agree with Fiat8 - McIntosh Solid State all the way.
Just a great smooth, warm sound.