Tube amps have a beautiful sound to my ears as compared to solid state but certain manufactures run the power tubes at such a high voltage that tube life can suffer. Tube replacement and the change in sound they experience over their useful life are to be expected. I recommend sticking with a tube amp that has auto bias and sophisticated real time monitoring systems.
Tube Amp Questions
Hello all!
I've decided to build my system around my Thiel CS 3.7 speakers. Currently, I'm using an ARC LS-7 tube line-stage (purchased just 3 weeks ago) feeding my old Denon PMA-2000 IVR integrated. Sources are laptop running Tidal & Roon, as well as Denon 2900 CD/SACD player. Musical tastes are varied, but I listen mostly to classic rock, the blues, classic jazz & Latin/bossanova.
My questions are regarding tube amps. One, in real-world experience, are they really that labor intensive to maintain & operate? Two, the particular amp im considering is an ARC VS110. According to ARC, it draws 400 watts at idle, 620 at rated output & 900 maximum. How big of an impact does running an amp like this have on an electric bill?
These are newbie questions, I know, but after a really long time as an admirer of the "High-End", I've finally decided to leave "Mid-Fi" behind, albeit by going the vintage/pre-owned route.
Thanks for any input or reccomendations!
Arvin
I've decided to build my system around my Thiel CS 3.7 speakers. Currently, I'm using an ARC LS-7 tube line-stage (purchased just 3 weeks ago) feeding my old Denon PMA-2000 IVR integrated. Sources are laptop running Tidal & Roon, as well as Denon 2900 CD/SACD player. Musical tastes are varied, but I listen mostly to classic rock, the blues, classic jazz & Latin/bossanova.
My questions are regarding tube amps. One, in real-world experience, are they really that labor intensive to maintain & operate? Two, the particular amp im considering is an ARC VS110. According to ARC, it draws 400 watts at idle, 620 at rated output & 900 maximum. How big of an impact does running an amp like this have on an electric bill?
These are newbie questions, I know, but after a really long time as an admirer of the "High-End", I've finally decided to leave "Mid-Fi" behind, albeit by going the vintage/pre-owned route.
Thanks for any input or reccomendations!
Arvin