Three things I would look for: 1. A sub out option. Some tube amps are sort of bare bones items but the sub out on mine really makes things convenient 2. Autobias feature. I was afraid of tubes due to the complexity compared to SS. If tubes can be plug and play it helps alot 3. Be darn sure your speaker efficiency matches the noise floor of your tube amp. A hyper efficient speaker (as in Klipsch Lascalas) can rake any hum or buzz out of any circuit. Depending on the volume and style of music played this could be an issue if you're OCD. Tubes by nature are noisy compared to their SS cousins. That said, tubes can create a sound beyond most SS i've ever heard (or could afford more like). I bought a Raven Audio Nighthawk since I'm a poor painter living above his means. I've really enjoyed getting over my "tube fear" and have been constantly amazed at the stunning realism it produces. My wife says the investment was well worth it. Never expected that!
Tube amps - what 3 things…
Hello all,
I am close to purchasing a tube amp moving away from SS. So far I have listened to a pure sound, PL, and allnic.
Question for all you experienced owners - if you could do it all over again, what 3 things/features would you look for in an amplifier and what 3 things/features would you not invest in again?
thanks