Why is solid state more popular when tubes are better?


Yes tubes are more involved and require periodic maintenance. Hybrid tube components need not apply, these are really solid state.

Tubes are better for multiple reasons and yet the world and the trade prefers solid state. Those rare audio shops that are geared toward stereo listening and serious connoisseurs tend to Focus more on tubes.  Those in business who like to improve volumes tend to offer solid state.  All the YouTube channels looking to improve their business tend to be solid state.  Maybe because tubes require much more expertise to sell, and there's lesser and lesser to go around. Solid state is more of a fast food commodity.

Tubes are difficult for businesses due to all the maintenance and complexity so you see it less often. Much much easier to sell hybrids or solid state.

 

 

emergingsoul

Showing 11 responses by roxy54

@emergingsoul 

If the solid state monos sound that bad to you I would think that you would sell them.

@emergingsoul 

After  your blistering critique of solid state amplifiers, I have to ask why you ever bought 600 watt solid state monos?

Who would have guessed that such a patently provocative troll thread would have attracted so much serious attention? Congratulations @emergingsoul 

"I'm not sure people really understand what distortion means. How is it considered to be good when listening to music, and tubes apparently doing much better job versus solid state"

More nonsense @jumia . I like tubes as well, and use them, but you're criticizing.solid state and asking how distortion is good when listening to music, yet it is known that tubes produce more measurable distortion than solid state devices. I don't know what your point is, but whatever it is, you're not expressing it clearly.

@jumia 

"Seems many comments above are talking about artificiality of solid state. Tubes introduce a more realistic Sonic impression versus scientifically created solid state transistor stuff. Tweaking all those electronics to get sound suitable for listening.

It’s no wonder why solid state has such a harsh reputation."

What a bunch of unsupportable nonsense. 

 

"I apologize for my two digit IQ. Purpose in my lead off post is to solicit comments from much brighter people than me to better understand merits of why tube amplifiers on balance seem to be preferred, after allowing for operating inconveniences."

@emergingsoul 

That sounds so innocent and self-deprecating, but the fact is that you came right out and said that tubes were better than solid state. It wasn't just a question. Even now you say that reference systems using solid state components are likely not suitable for long term use. Your bias is clear but uninformed.

@jjss49 

I was the first member to post a response to this obviously trolling thread, and it was removed this morning, four days later apparently because I questioned the OP's intellect. 

@hilde45 and @magister 

I know that men don't usually kiss and make up, but this came pretty close, and it made both of you look like bigger men. It was very nice to see here.

@clearthinker 

I'm with you. This thread was clearly designed by the OP to be provocative trolling.