I agree with darkmoebius that amp flavors are most distinguishable in the low power/high efficiency realm. Have tried 2A3, EL34, 6550, KT88 and 845 tube amps. The EL 34 and 845 amps are keepers, my 34 amp does subtlety and the 845 does excitement, spaciousness. I am now looking at 300B amps for another flavor. I do not forsee myself getting rid of either the 34 or 845 amp anytime soon even if I get a 300B amp. I actually regret selling my 2A3 and another EL34 based amp as each did some things my present amps don't, still, we have to be somewhat sane here. If I had the money I would have 5 or 6 different systems, one for every mood. Now to the question of whether we need all of this, no way Jose. On the other hand, making an analogy to food, why should we settle for a one course meal when we can have a feast of many.
Does one NEED multiple amps?
I saw this quote in a couple of different places, and each time it has got me thinking about its validity, so thought I'd see how many of you buy into it, either in theory, practice or both. Here it is, attributed to Terry Cain of Cain & Cain Audio:
"Start a collection of amps.
No one amp will keep a man happy long term. You need a young, firm perhaps not too articulate one you can swing from the ceiling with. And you always need a detailed and refined lower power one, the one you will never ever sell. This amp carves out the essence of tone and artistic intent, but cannot satisfy animal musical behavoir due to power limitation. With music, you cannot have too much fun. Don't let the amps get in the way. If amp -A- is complaining or not keeping up with your musical energy, just grab another and keep swinging."
Note my emphasis on the word "need" (vs 'want') as indicated in the quote. And who among you have 'just grabbed another'?
"Start a collection of amps.
No one amp will keep a man happy long term. You need a young, firm perhaps not too articulate one you can swing from the ceiling with. And you always need a detailed and refined lower power one, the one you will never ever sell. This amp carves out the essence of tone and artistic intent, but cannot satisfy animal musical behavoir due to power limitation. With music, you cannot have too much fun. Don't let the amps get in the way. If amp -A- is complaining or not keeping up with your musical energy, just grab another and keep swinging."
Note my emphasis on the word "need" (vs 'want') as indicated in the quote. And who among you have 'just grabbed another'?