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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
mahgister's avatar
mahgister
12,844 posts
 

The two tubes amplifier i listened too were more clinical hugely more than my Sansui alpha...

My Sansui alpha is fluid organic warm and detailed and beat these two by a HUGE margin...

If i was like you i will come here and said that S,.S. design beat tubes design...

It will be a preposterous claim by me and void of content ... Did i do it ? NO ...

Sorry to give you the news , some well designed S.S. dont sound clinical as you said at all... It was the opposite in my experience ...

Then generalization means nothing in audio, there is god design in any category , S.S. , tubes, hybrid : only synergy with components and acoustic matter at the end ...

Not opinions because nobody compared hundred of brand name amplification of any types IN THE SAME ACOUSTIC AND ELECTRICAL CONTEXT AND CONDITIONS ...

 But what you means i think is that many S.S. design  compared to top tubes design may sound clinical and this is true indeed... As is true the reverse about power, dynamic and details in top S.S. design compared many tubes design ...

 

I apologize to you because my post may seems rude but  i dont means it as an attack on your post... Only as an alternative answer...

 

my best to you...

Listening to a powerful solid-state amplifier is very nice but it’s not special. It’s very clinical and still enjoyable.

tonydennison's avatar
tonydennison
382 posts
 

Quicksilver amps ARE perfect.

 

britamerican
52 posts
 

@emergingsoul what amps and speakers do you have?

emergingsoul OP
951 posts
 

That's a personal question, I don't have to answer that. Not sure that's relevant. 

inna
7,132 posts
 

Ralph might partly disagree, but tubes are like tape - there is currently no substitute. 

By the way, vinyl has almost zero maintenance once you get things in order. Tape decks need attention.

I don't know why more people don't buy tube equipment. I just know why I don't yet. It is because I want near top level tube equipment and don't want to spend thousands for something midrange that won't give me satisfaction.

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