Anyone has a reference system where amplification is SS ?


I never heard of audiophiles whose reference system had transistor amplification. It is always tubes. But maybe there are exceptions.

inna

Listening to my reference SS system today, all day yesterday it my tube system, hybrid tomorrow. 

Tubes, still rule the earth, even in 2023. Amazing since they’ve been around for over a Century. 

And tubes will continue to rule, no matter what some people think or want. With few exceptions, like large scale music in a big room with particular speakers.

I will also note that I don't trust most people's objectivity or/and hearing. What I hear from many is - it is good because it is mine. Not to mention that few can afford million dollar set up, or even $200k one. This sucks, we all want reference level systems.

Well no doubt if appearance ie size weight and cost are considered in identifying a “reference” system, the “best” will likely pretty much have to incorporate many tubes and be quite large heavy and impressive looking.

The competition at the other end of the spectrum could be a tiny unassuming and spartan looking Class D amp from a number of high end makers.

 

So make sure the test to determine is a blind one. It could be a Samson versus Goliath scenario physically and we all know where any bias based on appearances would exist there. In fact to judge the biggest and most costly tube amps out there anything less than reference would be a major letdown.