TUBE or SS?

I feel some tube amps are much more dynamic and more detailed than most solid state amps, however we are stereotyping. The question is whether or not you want the maintenance of tubes. Most tube amps will not be as fast but tend to be warmer. I suggest: Amp - ARC VT100MKII - 3000-3500 Used (Tube) or AMP - Pass Labs X150 - 2500-3000 Used (Solid State) CD - Resolution Audio CD-55 - 2500 Used Speakers - Wilson CUBs - 3000-3500 Used That is 8500-9500 with a tubed amp or 8000-9000 without tubes and 0 maintenance, with a bit left over for cables.

I agree with the Tube Pre/Solid State Power comments. Also the Sonic Frontier/Anthem Tube Preamps are more solid state like with the best of the tube positives.

I have a Sonus Faber Concerto Grand Piano; an Aleph 3 amp & a Wadia WT 2000 Transport/X64.4 Decoding Computer. Presently using the McIntosh CR 7 Remote Control Center as a pre-amp. I am thinking of a tube pre-amp like, the Cary SLP 50B or an Audio Electronics Supply AE3. I Will appreciate any suggestions guys? Thanks.........

Riv3r this response is pretty self serving since I have an Audio Research SP9 MkII for sale in the classifieds here. I now use an Audio Research SP14, suffice to say I'm a fan of AR, worth considering...Rgds, Jeff

A good tube amp can be dynamic, detailed, and musical. My opinion, buy a tube integrated, such as a Jadis Orchestra Reference(NOT Orchestra) for $3500. This amp is VERY dynamic, musical, and has a wonderful passive linestage(that you will find very detailed). Get a Musical Fidelity A3 CD player for $1000. Buy whatever speakers you like for $4500 or less(one's that are not REAL hard to drive). You can go with an incredible variety here, as this amp has a LOT of guts(due to the HUGE transformers w/KT90 tubes). Spend the other $1000 on good speaker cables, and 2 power cords. No interconnects! This is a system you will live with for a LONG, LONG time.