2. amps-preamps
  3. 1345905920

When to go solid state vs. vacuum?

I am looking to upgrade my system into a good 2ch system (hopefully adding vinyl playback) but also being able to do nice HT sound.

I am currently working on new speaker considerations but it may be likely that they will benefit from a dedicated amp....how to choose which type and which one?

I have an integra dtr40.1 that has some very nice features and can function as my pre-amp, and using it that way may be a good place to start. That said, I am new and ignorant to most things regarding standalone amps. Where are vacuum tubes appropriate and where are slowed state appropriate? I have heard both and at least for music I prefer the vacuum tubes, is there any reason why they can't ideally be used for HT as well?

I realize this is a bit of a nebulous thread but I need a starting point.

Thx
kooshballa

Showing 4 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Kooshballa,
You`ve gotten some good replies,The bottom line is it`s speaker dependent. Some are meant to be driven by by SS amps and other speakers truly come alive with tubes.Narrow your list of speaker and then learn which type of amp will mate best with it.I generally find a good tube power amp sounds better with more realism but it`s ultimately what your own ears tell you.
Best of Luck,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Wolf, I don`t quite see your point regarding speaker matching. Speakers that have low ohm loads,steep phase angles and low sensitivity generally mate better with SS amps,

Tube amps will be better served with higher and relatively flat load impedance,minimal-modest phase angle and higher sensitivity rating. I understand that our experiences may just be different.
Regards,
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Phaelon,
What speakers are you using these days?
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Phaelon,
The move to a higher (and flat) impedance will bring out the best in your NAF amplifier.It`s a good decision.
Charles,
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