Tubes are actually much more ideal for voltage amplification, such as small-signal in a DAC or CDP. Transistors are better at current amplification. The main disadvantage of tubes is the high-voltage and the high output impedance, along with the obvious wear-out factor. Fets can compete with tubes, except that they have temperature sensitivity. If you could keep them extremely cool always, FET's would be king I think.
The high-voltage for tubes must be dealt with using transformers or coupling capacitors. With the advent of the Sonicap Platinum and the V-cap Teflons it is possible to get excellent low-disortion results from good tubes, such as the 12AU7 6922 or cca's. When the power systems and capacitors are well-designed, you have the punch and extension that you get with transistor outputs combined with the smoothness, imaging and detail of good tubes.
Not all designs deliver this however. It's like asking if transistor amps are better than tube amps. Depends on the design and parts choices. There is more to design than just the circuit design and whether it uses tubes, transistors or FET's.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
The high-voltage for tubes must be dealt with using transformers or coupling capacitors. With the advent of the Sonicap Platinum and the V-cap Teflons it is possible to get excellent low-disortion results from good tubes, such as the 12AU7 6922 or cca's. When the power systems and capacitors are well-designed, you have the punch and extension that you get with transistor outputs combined with the smoothness, imaging and detail of good tubes.
Not all designs deliver this however. It's like asking if transistor amps are better than tube amps. Depends on the design and parts choices. There is more to design than just the circuit design and whether it uses tubes, transistors or FET's.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer