2. amps-preamps
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more reliable amp: tube or solid state class A

i got to reading this thread:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1144724173&openfrom&1&4#1

i require no convincing that class A sounds better than AB or D or whatever else, but the efficiency is terrible, with the efficiency losses being reflected as heat.

and heat, as we know, causes thermal breakdown. this is a matter of engineering: the hotter a component runs, the shorter the mean time between failure. simple stuff.

but here's the question: if we took 2 equally hot-running amps, one tube and one SS, over the long haul, what would be more reliable? the tube amp, or the SS one?

i'm thinking the tube amp, solely b/c the tube is the hottest part, and its failure is accomodated for in the design (you simply plug in another tube). a hot running SS amp will eventually burn out resistors / transistors, and joe audiophile will be forced to send that to the factory for replacement.

(i am going to do some HVAC work on my room, and if i can keep in cool in mid July, i will be moving to the winner of this argument)

thx
rhyno

Showing 1 response by ngjockey

ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
I've yet to hear any evidence that class A is any less reliable. I've only heard opinion and presumption. I've had many A/B and A amps over the years and the only one that burnt out any transistors (FETs) was A/B. The Plinius amps I have now have been constant since October in class A. Cheaper than running the furnace.

Let me know when a tube amp comes with a 20 year warranty. On the other hand, it's easy to change a light bulb.

There are many A/B amps that are excellent that you will be limiting yourself from. If you're speakers are a demanding load, A/B might be the better choice for the dollar.
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