2. amps-preamps
  3. 1334720746

Tubes vs Solid State

I have have been listening to music all my life but have only recently started experimenting with different amplifier and/or speakers/component combinations. I have recently moved from Parasound JC 1's to Classe Cam 400 monoblocks which I have both loved (maybe the prior a bit more) and are contemplating another move. I have been very intrigued by tube monoblocks and have the opportunity now to move to ARC ref 600's. I can also get Mark Levinson 33's for about the same cost. I am just uncertain about the Ref 600's as I am worried that I might be disappointed in the tube sound.

Can someone with more experience perhaps help me out here ? I am using the amps as part of a home-theatre setup driving 802 d's and other 800 diamond fronts and rears. I would really appreciate some good advice here.
gfdt

Showing 2 responses by onemug

onemug
784 posts
 
TG, I think the The Map was just having some fun....RIGHT MAPMAN??!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;-)

I remember an IEEE (I think) paper from many years ago that said, "The transistor is superior to the tube in every regard except one, the amplification of audio". Doesn't mean you can't screw it up and also some speakers will just do better with a ss amp.
onemug
784 posts
 
Bo1972,

"I think a combi with Pass labs power amp with a tube pre amp is a good option for you as well!!:

Agree with you on that. Been running a CJ tube pre (ART) into a Pass ss amp (XA100.5) into my Magnepan 3.6's for about 4 years now. No desire to try anything else and for reference, my other system is all tubed using an SET amp.

Also agree with the ML remarks. When I first heard the 33h's, they caught me but with further listening I felt something missing. I blamed that on what the SET did for my ears, something about the harmonics I think, but the Pass and tube pre combo works for me.
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