2. amps-preamps
  3. 1242233298

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 11 responses by rleff

rleff
1,065 posts
 
Krauti- It was a good thread;enjoy the new gear;fun wasn't it and don't forget to spray pam on the frying pan.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Mapman; I have a b&k 747 tube tester and check tubes every 6 months. I think visual and audible changes are a indication as well to check tubes.
Also I kept a bias adjustment log when I had amps with manual bias adjustments; When bias starting to drift I would pay closer attention to that output tube.
I know many people will think this is extra work but I have several $$$ invested in my amps and pre amp and just want to keep them running at their very best;much like a person who maintains their car.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Mapman-Lafayette Radio there's a store from the past;we had several in Buffalo,NY and I always like checking out their equipment.
Krauti- Glad you liked my bias log;helped me a lot;I never had a tube blast out a speaker driver when it failed and I believe 100% with Ralph from Atmasphere that design is key.
I am not familiar with the output tube you are asking about but there sure are lots of feedback on the thread you started.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Kiwi-I think I would have to disagree with your view on bass and I am wondering if you have any experience with
tubes more than just listening to a friends system or auditioning
My question is based on "control over bass".
I consider control over bass as being a accurate reproduction with all the related properties that go along with it;and a tube amp is certainly capable of doing this
at least in my system and experiences.
I don't consider this as a downside over tubes.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Krauti-I was wondering what is drawing you to this tube as I have never heard one.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
If the amp has a standby selector/switch then 24/7 should not be a problem;I think it is more a personal choice.
I don't leave mine on 24/7 and they have a standby switch;I know inrush current flow and tube powering on and off can be a cause of early tube failure but I think it is more a design issue;if implemented well it should not be a issue.
I sure wouldn't mind if Ralph from Atmasphere stuck his head in on the 24/7 aspect just to hear a designer/manufacturers point of view.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Eldartford-Was the modeling used by carver the t that he started to add in his amp names?
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Mapman-I sure it has to do with the flow of electrons in solid state junctions of pnp or npn materials vs the flow in a vacuum from cathode to plate thru the grid(s) in your output tube; somehow harmonically there is a difference that can be heard.
I sure Ralph will expand on your question as well if he sees it;thats the best I can do.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Dave_b I was wondering what your view of "the tubes getting in the way" means?
Do you feel that the solid state gear you listed equals or
excels better than tubes as far as being able present the
being there experience?
I enjoyed solid state before tubes but it just didn't seem to be able to reach that goal for me.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Jafox-I think that one reached the upper deck and stayed fair.
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Dav65mus- Come on do it !!!!!
More to discover