People who are Irrationally Afraid of tube amps


Recently I've had a tube amp For Sale on this site. It's a well respected, great amp from a major mfg. I've owned it for 3 years, with absolutely no problems, only enjoyment. I'm only selling it because I sold the speakers I used it with, & my current speakers are a lot more power-hungry. And it's the 2nd tube amp I've owned, my first being a really early model VTL ST-85 that was several years old when I bought it, then I had it for 5 years, & the only problem I had in all that time was replacing a fuse once. And I know almost nothing about electronics, but I learned how to use a multi-meter & successfully biased & replaced tubes in both amps.

Here's the thing: Almost every person who has written to me about my amp for sale asks a zillion questions, you know the routine, e-mails back & forth, then finally says they are too freaked out at the possibility of replacing tubes someday to buy it, whining about the (relatively modest) expense, etc. (And my amp has new tubes!!). Now, these queries are from presumably experienced A'goners because most of them have a large no. of positive feedback ratings here. I mean, we're not dealing with the average shopper at Circuit City, presumably.

My questions are: 1. Why do experienced A'goners waste so much time shopping for tube gear if they're freaked out over the potential traumatic effect that replacing tubes may have on them someday? There's plenty of SS gear FS if that's what they want. 2. Why do many even relatively experienced audiophiles still believe in the "tube hassles" myth? 3. Are there no tube afficiandos who are willing to put up with a minor inconvience every few years?

I feel like putting a warning in the next ad I run for a tube amp: WARNING: THIS DEVICE CONTAINS HIGHLY VOLATILE "TUBES", WHICH MAY BLOW AT ANY SECOND & COULD DESTROY YOUR ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD! USE AT YOUR OWN PERIL, PREFERABLY IN A NON-POPULATED AREA. EVEN IF THEY DON'T KILL YOU, THE TRAUMA OF REPLACING THE "TUBES" SOMEDAY COULD REQUIRE YEARS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY, & MAY BANKRUPT YOU & YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY.

Well, at least that might discourage the "tire kickers". Now, if I could just afford those Cary 805C mono-blocs I've been wanting for years........& thanks for listening to my rant!
steveaudio

Showing 2 responses by 84audio

Wow!!! Guys, we are making this a lot more complicated than it is. It's ok if you like SS gear. I think tubes are clearly a better value for dollar investment. I would challenge you to find something that sounds better than the Berning at it's price point. Biasing amps is something I have no interest in doing. I had a Sonic Frontiers tube amp that was more trouble than it was worth so I went back to solid state until I found the Berning.

Preamps are a different story. I challenge anybody to find a better value than the Eastern Electric Minimax, or the Belles 21A at those price points. I think you clearly get more "bang for buck" with a tube preamp. It's just my opinion, I'm not interested in converting anyone. I would respectfully suggest more listening and les hang ups about specs. I have had tube preamps in my home from CJ, SF, Thor, Rogue, Belles, Eastern Electric, and Essence over the last 15 years with absolutely no tube problems or issues. If you like Ss better that's fine. The whole point of this hobby is to have fun. thanks
If you like eye candy the Berning is not your choice! The thing does sound remarkable and is very well designed. I love how lightning fast it is. Tubeg and Allan have it right, I think it is an amazing product and should be on your audition list.