can a tube-o-phile be happy with ss?


I switched to tubes over a decade ago, after realizing that I no longer listened to the stereo because it did not sound like real music and ss and digital were irritating, on a subconscious level. Went to all tubes and mostly LP's. It worked. I even prefer triode with no negative feedback settings, usually. Now ss has supposedly improved, and its advantages beckon, e.g., less heat, electricity and trouble, better bass and perhaps more detail and clarity. Have any of you voluntarily gone back to the dark side and been content? (with the understanding that it never really ends, for an audiophile). On an unlimited budget one might have few complaints, but this question is necessarily in the context of a semblance of fiscal sanity, not top of the line Boulder, Ayre or Zanden.
lloydc

Showing 2 responses by audiofeil

There are some solid state amplifiers that, in a blind audition, would surprise and fool even the most ardent tubeophiles.

Let's not paint all sand amps with the same wide brush.

IMO of course.
Chad has it right.

Hearing a pair of Apogee Duettas or Scintillas with a high quality solid state amp is a breathtaking experience.

Given all the makes and models of loudspeakers available, past and present, a one size fits all approach makes no sense.