2. amps-preamps
  3. 1365867419

Tubes/SS Power Amps?


I've only heard, auditioned, listened to top of the line tube amps; consequently, I don't know squat about top of the line SS power amps. My problem is "heat". If the SS gets hot, I might as well have tubes.

Reviews that I've read on top of the line SS amps, always mention the heat. Rather than have a SS furnace in my listening room, I'll go with tubes. By the way, I don't think there's much difference between tubes and SS amps when you have a tube pre; especially top of the line. I'm searching for an amp in the vicinity of 100 watts per channel with balanced inputs, preferably mono blocks. Cool running SS is what I'm looking for. Can you help?
orpheus10

Showing 6 responses by wolf_garcia

wolf_garcia
6,779 posts
 
So "heat schmeat" was an insufficient response? And here I was trying to be succinct.
wolf_garcia
6,779 posts
 
Heat schmeat. Tubes are more fun.
wolf_garcia
6,779 posts
 
Driving my tube amp is one of the places where it really differs from SS amps I've owned...it gets rounder with a still listenable tone at highish levels, and that works for me somehow...my sub is SS though, and it just has to be turned down to compensate, as I'm not insane. Or maybe I am.
wolf_garcia
6,779 posts
 
I'm of the "first watt" school...if an amp is well designed and used properly it can sound amazing, regardless of the wattage, cost, or type. Speaker impedance matching is key of course, and if you expect to fill a gigantic room to sweaty disco levels with a 2 watt amp, you shouldn't be here. Good tube amps generally aren't breaking a sweat at strong listening levels, and I agree with Atmasphere about classic design service issues...where was I supposed to get IBGT transistors for my trusty old Forte' 55? (I was never 100% sure what transistors were in that thing anyway)
wolf_garcia
6,779 posts
 
Are Class D amps less expensive to make? Seems like they are (more power for the buck). I used a great little Class D Ampeg bass amp recently, and it was amazing. I still think tubes are more engaging (and suit my low threshold of gear entertainment) especially from an esthetic point of view, and I dig the tweek factor (who "rolls" parts of a Class D module? rhetorical question..)...a Class D hifi amp would have to have blue VU meters and an Art Deco case for me to warm up to it, but that bass amp was sweet.
wolf_garcia
6,779 posts
 
Now yer talkin'.
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