2. amps-preamps
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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 3 responses by maineiac

maineiac
649 posts
 
Unsound must have been involved in an abusive tube amp relationship in his past.

The downsides can be dealt with. As is easy to see, many of us have determined that those hassles are easily worth bearing for the sake of the sound quality. Although there are excellent SS amps to be had, it really seems that tubes with good compatible speakers is the place to be.
maineiac
649 posts
 
Unsound, taking your word that your not hitting the pipe, you may want to re-read your first post alongside the most recent post. The comparison may be revelatory and theraputic(just like good tube amps).
maineiac
649 posts
 
Well Brian congrats - that is what it is all about. I take it that none of your children or pets were injured, and your house didn't catch on fire? Thank heavens for that bit of luck given that you were in the presence of not just one but TWO tube amps.

Unsound mind, I guess you can add being mesmerized by the music and not hearing the fire alarm to your list of tube amp sins.
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