2. amps-preamps
  3. 1264342155

Tubes vs. solid state.

I just switched back to my ss equipment and can't see how I listened to ss for so many years and thought that I had a good system, maybe the equipment needs to be left on for some time.
But regardless of that, the difference is startling. I know that my tube equipment is not the same degree of excellence as my ss, but now ss sounds lean, thin lifeless. Have my listening priorities changed? One thing I noticed; my listening perception adapts to the sound present in the room. As I write this the sound is improving incremently.
Anyone share the same experience??
I will post as I will continue to listen and notice differences.
Ss is simaudio p-5 w-5, tubes are Cj premier 4 amp and audio experience a2se preamp.
Are there ss preamps that will satisfy or am I smitten by bubes I mean tubes.
pedrillo

Showing 4 responses by phaelon

phaelon
1,054 posts
 
"One thing I noticed; my listening perception adapts to the sound present in the room."

Nice point. It takes time to wrap our brains around something new.

"I know that my tube equipment is not the same degree of excellence as my ss, but now ss sounds lean, thin lifeless"

That's to be expected switching from the Premier 4: A particularly seductive and involving amplifier IMO. Generally speaking, while the sonic gap seems to be closing between tubes and SS in many modern designs, I doubt that SS will ever encroach on that Premier 4 magic, if that's to your taste.
phaelon
1,054 posts
 
Tvad, no need to "IMO" that post; it's pretty much unimpeachable. It seems to me that the "tube vs. SS" debate has been so pervasive on these threads throughout the years that it belongs in the same class as the "Ali vs. Tyson" debate. There's no answer but it's fun. Also, the issue is so fundamental and subjective by its nature, that everyone has an opinion and can get involved. IMO
phaelon
1,054 posts
 
Tvad, I meant to add that I hope you're enjoying your new speakers.
phaelon
1,054 posts
 
"Best attributes of each are pretty much present in either, differences are minute-"

That's arguable but since "Best attributes" is pretty subjective...

While I agree, in general, that the gap is closing between tube and SS is in many modern designs, I think the degree of closure is greatly influenced by tube type, eg. 300b, EL34, KT88.
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