Tubes? Transistors? Which are better?


It's an audiophile debate: Which are better, tubes or transistors? I have a been a big fan of transistors for a long time, but recent auditions have turned me into a partial tube head. Which tube designs sound best? Do transistors sound better?
uliverc113

Showing 1 response by redwoodgarden

The impression I'm getting is that the ss amps have great detail and bass, but tubes create a soft, pleasing image for mids and highs. Why not take advantage of both in an active biamp pattern? I'm presently using a Mark Leninson 334 to drive my K-horns and LaScalas. The bass doesn't get any better than this, but the mids and highs are a bit harsh at times. I'm thinking about trying a Rane AC22 active crossover to split the signal to the ML334 for the bass, and a Conrad Johnson Premier 12 to handle the mids and highs. Any comments on this idea?