2. amps-preamps
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Have you moved from tubed amplification to solid state amplification... Why?

I'd like feedback from those who have moved from primarily using Tubed pre and power amplification to Solid State pre and power amplification in their systems. 

Feel free to share what you found relevant to your experience. The questions below are only meant as a starting point, and reflect what I'm curious about.

- What was the initial motivation or driver that made you consider the move?

- Once you made your choice, what were your specific reasons for doing so?

- How happy and satisfied have you been with this move? Any regrets? 

- Lessons learned? Advice to share?

Thank you.


NOTE: Please, this is not about which is Better. Let's not make it about that. I like both solutions and the varied options for each. Thanks!!!

NOTE: I searched the Forums through 2013 for relevant threads...If you know of one or more that relates to my questions, please add the link. Thank you.
david_ten

Showing 1 response by liamowen

liamowen
197 posts
 
I swore I would never own tubes because of the "hassle and expense."  Well, I graduated from Adcom GFA555 II's to a Conrad Johnson MF2550 SE, which sounded great (along with my CJ ET5 preamp).  Then I took a chance on a used pair of CJ monoblocks and they just sound better.  Somewhere between nominally better and noticeably better.  More fluid, and more musical, although the CJ Solid state amp sounded pretty good in its own right, and had marginally better damping for the bass.  I kept the solid state for my b system, but for the a system, it's CJ tube monoblocks and the now discontinued ET5 preamp.   I have toasted a couple of KT120 tubes, but they are only $50 each from upscale, and I have put in a nice Telefunken 6922 in the ET5 from Brent Jessie in Illinois.  They are all approaching a year old and they still sound great and I play music 2 hours a night about 3 nights per week.  So, I am really no longer concerned about the cost of tube replacement, but I do stock several pairs of KT120's and some 6922 tubes.

Advice/lessons learned?  If you want great sound you have to have a great source.  So, I needed to upgrade my Rega Rp6 with MM Exact 2 cartridge to the RP10 with the Apheta II mc cartridge to bring that out. 

Now, I am really pleased with the sound; symphony, Peter Gabriel, Eric Clapton Live, Mozart Piano Concerto's-- all good.  If I was to go back to solid state, I would buy Pass Labs gear-- a combination of used on audiogon and new from Mark at Reno HiFi.

I am not related to any of these vendors; they are just folks who have really treated me well over time.

Cheers
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