Why don’t tube amps sound like tubes anymore?


When I hear the latest tube amps I’m more reminded of what a solid state amp sounds like than what I remember a tube amp once sounded like. I say that, with most tube amps I hear today, but not all. Gone seems to be the lush tones, warm glow and natural harmonics I used to hear. What I hear is more of a thoroughbred, faster, sharper sound when I listen to a modern tube design today. Then why use tubes?
hiendmmoe

Showing 1 response by big_greg

When I decided to get tubed components, it was after hearing one of the more "tubey" sounding units currently on the market.  The sound was very seductive, but I had a feeling that after a while I might tire of that less than neutral sound. 

My main system consists of Rogue Audio M-180 monoblocks, Modwright LS-100 preamp, and Manley Chinook phono stage.  They are all pretty neutral, but have just enough of that "tube magic".  At some point I may go to solid state amps, but don't see the LS-100 or Chinook leaving my system any time soon. 

All of my systems have tubes in them in at least one component.  Vincent SV-237 in one system, ARC Vsi55 in another, and my bedroom system has a W4S Class D amp with an ARC LS26 preamp.