2. amps-preamps
  3. 162633-147523

Should I got full tubes or stick with hybrid amps?

I currently have a Jolida 1501. I like it but I think I have upgraditis. I originally bought it (hybrid) because I’m really sensitive to highs (get a headache). It’s been good to me and I can listen without fatigue.

To help with upgraditis, I just bought a Yamaha AS801 to try out and although it definitely sounds good and has nice detail it is creating a little fatigue for me. I’m still in the break-in period so this may smooth out a bit.  (I definitely like having bass/treble controls).

Thinking about picking up a full tube amp or another hybrid for comparison. I don’t know much about other manufacturers of tubes/hybrids.

What’s the difference (sonically) between a hybrid and a full tube amp? Any recommendations?

Thanks!!
soundchasr
59 responses Add your response
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
Am I right that the hybrid should have the warmth of the tube amps and the bass of SS? So, the best of both worlds?

Its a little more complicated than that. The finest tube amps have excellent bass, better than a lot of SS to my ears. Better power, better slam, better dynamics. Way, way, way better palpable presence. The best amps, tube or solid state, they draw you in. The last thing they do is fatigue. Anything that does is by definition undesirable. The whole point is to want to listen to music. Wanting to stop listening to music, what fatigue does, is the exact opposite.

If you want to buy by design then why the baby steps? Why not go the Full Monty? Decware zero feedback all triode.
soundchasr OP
159 posts
 
@erik_squires 
That is a great idea. Will do that. 
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
Room acoustics are probably not great. Hardwood floor with an area rug covering most of it. Hard objects everywhere....

Am I right that the hybrid should have the warmth of the tube amps and the bass of SS? So, the best of both worlds?  


Really depends, but the general practice of using tubes for color and warmth, with SS amps for better speaker control is often the right approach, but not all tube pre's or SS amps are the same.

Do this experiment, throw some blankets around the room, and pillows. Especially include the floor between and behind your speakers.  Also experiment with the walls.

I suspect your opinion about what you need may change if you do this.  Let us know. :)

Best,

Erik

soundchasr OP
159 posts
 
Onix Rocket RS750. I really like them. Laid back.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 posts
 
What loudspeakers? We can't help you if you don't help us.  
soundchasr OP
159 posts
 
@dekay 
I've tried a few different tubes.  Right now I'm using GE 5751 from 1955.  I had Mullard 12AX1s from '67 before that.  

@erik_squires 
Room acoustics are probably not great.  Hardwood floor with an area rug covering most of it.  Hard objects everywhere....

Am I right that the hybrid should have the warmth of the tube amps and the bass of SS?  So, the best of both worlds?  


dekay's avatar
dekay
5,558 posts
 
Curious as to whether you have tried different 12ax7's in the Jolida.

The Jolida uses the tubes in a buffer stage (the preamp section is passive) but, they will still affect the sound.

DeKay
tablejockey
3,892 posts
 
Compare both and let your ears decide. No one here can tell you what you're going to like.
Return the one you don't like. 

Simple.
erik_squires
16,056 posts
 
How are your room acoustics??
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