What is the future of amp technolgy?


As digital technology makes strides toward the future, amp technology seems to returning to its roots of pre-1960. Tube amps are experiencing a large increase in popularity, and SS amps are generally moving to a more "tube like" sound. Then there is this new digital amp technology, that I don't know much about. Are tube amps the wave of the future, or a dinosaur from the past? Will SS amps finally reach a point when there is no reason to buy a tube amp? Will Digital amps eclipse both tube and SS amps, and become the best of all worlds? Your thoughts?
twl

Showing 1 response by viggen

Question: What determines a digital amp to be a "digital" amp? Are Tact and the amps used in Meridian DSP speakers considered "digital"? I think these amps merely have signal processors built into them?

With the half of the majority playing mp3 off discmans, portable mp3 players and computer speakers, and the other half of the majority wasting their money on home theaters, there really isn't any opportunity for growth in regards to tube technology.

Plus, eventually, even die-hard tube lovers will convert to ss or digital once NOS vintage tubes run out.

Quality of sounds probably isn't the main issue here.