Cornfed- I think we all know that you prefer your ss to tubes, but I'd like to know what "high-end" tube amps that you've lived with - not necesarily expensive, but high-end in terms of sound quality. This is not meant as a put down, just that I'd like to know your references for your position. I've been in audio for nearly twenty years and have owned too many ss and tube amps to list. There are plenty of poor to average sounding tube equipment out there. However, to my ears, ss (even very expensive) just doesn't cut it longterm. Yes, ss is (usually) less "interactive" in terms of tweeking, but sonically I find it less emotionally involving and far less holographic as well. My experiences with Krell, Classe, Symphonic Line, Spectral, Goldmund and Gryphon have all been enjoyable, but I always end up with tubes. Again, I'm not discounting your sonic preference, just wondering about your past tube experiences.
Help learn diff.between SS and Tube
I am auditioning an Anthem Amp 2 (a Hybrid amp) and it will be a change from my SS Marantz MA 500s in a bi-amp config. I have not had the Anthem more than a few hours (the amp is broke in) and I think right off the bat the Anthem seems to have less bass than my SS. The bass seems to be there, my room shakes, but its not as something, I can't put my finger on it, less "punchy?" Can someone pleez tell me the differences typical of tube and ss amps. Thanks. m-