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Tradeoffs going to a hybrid from all tubes?

Hybrids seem to make a lot of sense, especially with a limited budget. For much of what I listen to my Totem Forests sound fantastic with the JoLida I have ...just that occasionally, I'd like things louder without cranking the volume knob to 3 o'clock. Am thinking a hybrid might be the way to go. Budget would be in the $1000-$1500 price range; used is OK. JoLida 1501A looking very affordable at <$700 shipped. Thanks in advance for your input and any product suggestions (I did find an earlier thread on recommended hybrids).
128x128ghosthouse

Showing 1 response by mallardducks

mallardducks
13 posts
 
the issue of having to crank it up to get louder isn't a tube versus solid state versus hybrid issue, unless you are using an amplifier that is seriously underpowered.

the issue is sensitivity, or gain. So whatever type of amp you decide to go with read-up on sensitivity/gain before you make a decision.

As far as hybrid amps go, good ones are a nice compromise between tubes and SS.

Personally, I've found Totems sound better with amps (whether it's tube/SS/hybrid) that have a low damping factor. This really lets Totems open-up and sound much, much bigger.
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