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What do you see as the downside of tubes?

I have decided on getting a tube amp and it will be the integrated Mastersound 300B driving a pair of Living Voice Avatars, so at least that decision has been taken.

My main question is what you see as downsides of having a tube amp. As I've decided on getting an integrated tube it's really about what the downsides are I might want to know about beforehand.

The ones I'm aware are the following.

-The tubes need to be replaced and in the case of a 300B this will be somewhat costly.

-Bias is another issue but I'm not sure how big an issue. Do you plug in your meter every so often or just when you roll tubes or replace a dead one? The meter as such isn't gonna be a big issue as I don't think it's that expensive.

-Heat won't be a big issue as we have no kids nor a nosy dog that could get burned. Hope my electricity bill isn't gonna go through the roof, but then again, I can't quite imagine that.

I'd appreciate if you could add whatever your experiences are regarding this question are as I'd like to know more before I buy it.

Thanks
krauti

Showing 7 responses by dave_b

dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Have fun, live and learn and most of all...enjoy the ride:O)
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
For me it has mostly been about clarity or transparency. I want to sense that there is nothing between me and the players. Anything that dulls, rounds off or clouds the soundstage is unacceptable! Most tube based components get in the way, despite whatever plus they may offer.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
No, it's called having ears Audiofeil. Again, I stated MY preference. I've owned several tube based systems and enjoyed them. System synergy is the most important aspect to getting good sound anyway, but in the end I prefer Pass, Krell, MF, Spectral etc. I have had tube preamps mated to SS amps with varying degrees of success as well. It's all good fun...unless someone invites YOU Audiofeil. Aren't you out of business yet?
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Rleff, what I mean is that even in my best ARC reference based system, I found a subtle dulling of transients and a fine layer of film that precluded me from feeling directly connected to the music. In other words, if I put on a great live jazz recording I know well and have heard on various systems over the years, it should fill my listening space with energy and excitement...more "thereness" if you will. The feeling I expect to hear is like walking into a live jazz club while the band is smokin'. That energy, vibe and "aliveness" is what better SS does for me over the many virtues of tubes:O)
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
I have recordings of concerts, both jazz and classical that I have attended. Both were unamplified. I have a piano, baritone, cello and flute in my house (my daughters have the talent). I don't need to convince myself or anyone else that what I'm hearing is more realistic. Audiofeil is obviously deeply disturbed going by the intensity of his anti-social rants. That said, I did not knock tubes or applaud SS...I've owned and enjoyed both. Right now I have a system synergy which does it for me on a repeat basis which happens to be SS. The special nature of the real thing is that it is clear, pure, accurate, extended and dynamic with no blurring, distortion or grain. Tonality of course must be dead on. The xtra something is that sense of energy that fills the venue when attending a concert, which many systems miss completely. Let's not forget that the material we listen to can effect our expectations as well.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Oh my God, just listen to your tubes and get off already! Some tubes, most tubes, your tubes, my ex-tubes, her tubes, tubes tied...what the freakin' hell, are you guys for real? Most tubes "I've" owned and or listened to. I had ARC reference gear in one rig...don't even get me started on that horrid 6H30 tube:O( Did I mention I am around live music almost everyday? It aint tubelike and it aint SS...it's real.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
So experience and the means to experiment indicates less understanding? You should work for Obama you nutball. This is becoming ridiculous. Why do some people have to shore up their emotional inadequacies at the expense of others? Audiofeil is THEE person who uses other peoples responses (out of context of course)as an excuse for an answer. Check HIS postings for anything helpful, useful or even remotely original. I enjoyed all of my gear and was fortunate enough to be able to play around quite a bit. Now I have more responsibilities and less expendable cash. I was not picking on anyone or attacking anyone. Enjoy what you have while you can...life is so fleeting:O)
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