I have a selection of amps including Naim (solid state), Vincent pre / power (Hybrid) and recent Cayin (tubes). Currently despite being the cheapest the Cayin clearly wins in my system (but with EL34 tubes not KT88's). Three lessons, 1, forget the technology listen to the amplifier. 2, some speakers suit some amplifiers, some do not, listen to speakers first then buy an amplifier that suits them. 3, don't be hung up on price, I auditioned at least 20 tube amplifiers before buying I am perfectly happy with the cheapest, by a long, long way. Features, don't pay for ones you don't need, they add cost and complication. Think cars with multiple 'drive' settings, the 1st month you try them all, 95% will never change them after 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