2. amps-preamps
  3. 1155701570

Anyone else evolve beyond tubes?

Over many years of owning both solid state and tube amps/pre-amps, my most recent high end system makes me question the need for tubes at all, except at the source! My Mcintosh C46 pre and MC501's driven by an MF A5 CD player into Dyn" C4's with MIT Magnum cabling produces music of great beauty and dynamic swing. I even demo'd some of the newer tube gear available for comparison...not even close. I think modern, well designed solid state gear is superior overall...at least with a tube output stage in your source!
128x128dave_b

Showing 2 responses by newbee

newbee
4,751 posts
 
Just to be a contrarian.......

I've been into tubes in all applications for quite a few years and have the typical disdain for SS stuff. Well, I'm presently playing with a Wadia directly into a tube amp and my immediate impression is 'not bad, not bad at all'. Now if I can just find the 'perfect' tube amp! And the beat goes on......:-)
newbee
4,751 posts
 
Audiofeil, I'd guess that the 'manufacturer' was talking about the failure rate when they screen tubes to be used in their stuff, not the failure rate of tubes in service in the field, or by dealers testing tubes prior to sale. FWIW, I've heard of high failure rates in testing, lets say EI 12AX7's, for microphonics, but the ones that passed present little problem in use in the field.
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