TUBE AMPS OR SOLID STATE ??

[@signalfixer]

Tubes are the winner in my opinion. Instruments tend to create even harmonic signatures and tubes create even as well. Whereas solid state creates mostly Odd harmonics which are more harsh to the ear. I find overall tubes are a more musical and true to real instrument presentation than solid state. Audibly tubes are a better amplification device... that is why they still exist. Oh yeah Mike tubes last longer than solid state I know cause I test these things daily . 1930s UX245 tubes still going strong in my amps...its 2023 incredible to me

[@asx1248]

They also mimic real life in the amount of distortion produced. The louder you play an instrument the more distortion that instrument produces, likewise the louder you play your valve amp the more distortion it produces. Solid state distortion tends to be the opposite to that or just remains flat.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Great.... Im happy for you !! Ill stick with Solid state and use my tubes for fun !! Ive got a closet full ...

[@klepp19]

I agree! Now I primarily use SET 300b!😃

[@Revelator2025]

@no name ha! You kidding me…??? So much SS gear sucks. It may not for your ears I get it. Mikey even says you’re gonna for SS truly done right.

[@ridirefain6606]

Love your take on tubes. Me being a tube-head, I appreciate the honest take on their advantages and where owning one is not all wine and roses.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Trust me, Ive got a closet full stash of tubes.. I love them ..;-)

[@IronHorsey3]

Have had both very high quality solid state and tube amps. From McCormack DNA-2 deluxe with all upgrades to the whole range of McIntosh tube gear. Now have rebuilt tube monoblocks and may one day get another pair. They are outstanding and have been fine for some years. Cackling? Don't recall that issue for quite some time coming up. Quality tube amps are just great. Not discounting Mike is saying. Put some DeOxyit Gold on the tube pins once a year and you're darn good to go! Sure solid state amps are less likely to run into a problem but I still prefer my tube monoblocks.

[@Peter-ii4xq]

I like a combination of tubes and solid state. A combination of power and musicality.

[@Mikexception]

I have R2R SE tube amplifier which is rated 2,5W and in mono. With my good ears I expect that if I would make another the same in stereo combination it would fulfill all my needs for reasonable loud listening. And it would be great because I find that particular construction sound awsome . I actualy use stereo tube PP class amp rated 15 W/ch and within 4 years I never even once pulled half of that power becuse I am scared to damage wide range vintage spakers and I think about my neighbours.

[@Revelator2025]

No doubt. Have a killer SS amp and a tube-based line stage. Or even reverse that. Best of both worlds.

[@simonzinc-trumpetharris852]

Works for me!

[@jaytorr6701]

Mate, your content is a breath of fresh air. I had enough with all those KZbin reviewers. What would be fantastic and probably would give you a huge boost is if you catered to the lower end price. For example, Darko, Andrew Robinson etc have made videos for best systems 1-3k budgets. Given your knowledge and perspective, it would be amazing to see what you would recommend. Many thanks again for your great content.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Jay, Ive got to be honest. That stuff does not excite nor interest me. I will however not leave you guys out and will bring product to market that caters to the $2K to $6K crowd... just hang in there !

[@jaytorr6701]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I get it. I actually had a 8k system and downsized to a 2k. Probably because I was buying the wrong stuff, was not getting the emotional connection you have been talking about. I weny from a focal with a Hegel to a sonus faber lumina ii with a Rotel. In all honesty the 2k system sounds connects me more. Heck, I heard a system with Klipsch RP-600M and a nice cheap tube amp, not even 1k system and felt the music more than in mine! So I am doing something wrong. You are the only one talking about connecting with music. Any recommendations for the 1-4k crowd would blow up your channel. Keep up the good work mate.

[@Audiofreak71]

I have a Hybrid amp, tube on the preamp stage and SS on the amps putting out 305wpc and doubling down to 2ohms. I think an argument can be had for going the hybrid route as long as the tubes are on the pre amp and SS is on the amp side.

[@Mikexception]

I have R2R which has tube output and it drives two widerange speakers of my own concept . When my coulege first time heard how powerfull it sounds it he was sure it is "normal" solid and asked me only if he's right . .But there is only one tube and rated power is 2,5 W Speakers are about 8 W

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Second time around for me on this video; I completely concur- tubes are fun if they’re in a system you don’t have to have. If you’re relying on tubes anywhere in your main system, you better have a backup handy, because when they cough and sputter they’re a PIA. That said, I’m thinking of ordering some units from Decware, because when a tube system is dialed in I am transported in ways that solid state can’t match.

[@Jack96993]

I have both SS and tube amps and use a particular amp depending on what speakers I'm using for a listening session But l always leave in my tube pre amp

[@danieljones8587]

The fun part is playing around with different components. The new Mac bi-single amps with tubes for the top and SS for the bass seems the best of both worlds especially if you're running ribbons or electrostatics.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL< your first sentence will change over time... Once youve tried it all..

[@gil3green]

Very good piece, thanks! Its the conclusion I came to in going with solid state. I do have a tube pre amp though.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jazzlouise]

Mikey, looking forward to your website being revised to include all the great gear you will have for sale. My rig choice is a tube pre amp and solid state amps. To me the best of two worlds.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jasonw512]

Need two rigs. Both are great when the mood is right. 🕺

[@joelowens5211]

Solid state amps even the high end ones were technically clean but did not have the musicality of the tube amps I was looking for. My tube amps are not the cheap ones though. Pair of VAC 452 IQ music blocks in mono one to each speaker ( Sonus Faber Aida 2's - Wenge finish ). Some people complain of tubes and the heat generated. Mine warm up and then actually hit a plane where they level off so the heat actually goes back down to negligible even in a smaller room. Solid state if class A throws off a ton more heat than a tube amp. That's why most have A/B configurations now. I do not have heavy playtime weekly so 5,000 hours of listening time (my tubes rating) can last many, many years ( 10hrs a week about 500 hrs a year = 10 years playtime) So if someone plays a ton of music then solid state can have an edge as the tubes wear out faster. The tubes also will reach a peak performance sounding the best and then hit a decline before using up all their hours so really might get about 3,000 hours max performance out of mine. Would I ever go back to solid state? Never say never on anything but my system sounds pretty phenomenal so not planning on a change anytime soon. Lots of solid state amps can have a clean and clinical but lifeless sound to them. If people want ground pounding techno and heavy metal then they likely care less but if they do easy listening with heavy vocal component it can really show some negative attributes of solid state. For about 5k a Prima Luna Evo400 just kicks ass for the money. I had that before moving up to Vac pre-amp. The Prima Luna just had amazing sound but a very small stage even though vocal was nice and centered with great musicality. Parasound has some great sounding solid state gear for the money paid. Different brands shine in different price points. So when you see a brand do not assume all lines they carry and make are the best. Some models they can do amazing with and others are junk or just mediocre. These brands often go through years or decades of heavy research and innovation to come out with breakthroughs. So often they have amazing models come out and then fillers in between the next advancement. My tube amps also have a built in monitor system that tells me if a tube is functioning properly or not. Lower priced tube amps I have not seen that so can be a guessing game in that case.

[@williamfoster1034]

Totally agree. And as a musician (which I am), I don't know a single guitarist who plays a solid state amp. And this is coming from people who make music, let along just listen to it.

[@williamfoster1034]

@@davidcross890 I have tube amps with thousands of hours on them.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@William Foster, tube amps for guitars are TOTALLY different and NOT what I am talking about. Tube compression and distortion are HORRIBLE for HiFi.. You could never use a Matchless to play HiFi.. God forbid a Marshall or Boogie..

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@Joel, are you in Atlanta ? Ill come over with a SS amp/s that will have you scratching your head in disbelief...

[@joelowens5211]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Born and raised in GA 48 years so far. I do not go into downtown much. I love the suburbs with more land and clean air. It's funny lot's of people visiting GA want to see downtown and lots of people that live here say no we do not go down there...lol I can drive many miles here and have safe areas. Atlanta it's block by block upscale to war zone and one way streets. I go occasionally for a sports game or concert but have a driver.

[@jimpeek7967]

Nice to have both

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Agreed !

[@pnichols6500]

Exactly!

[@carlsitler9071]

I have both types of amps, class a/b and class d. I also have both of the other type of amps, modern and vintage.

[@tallpaull9367]

Billie Heaven 11 Mark II Belongs on 11Stereo too, eleven eleven ; )

[@spandel100]

Thank you for clearing that up...I have never heard an explanation like this before.I have been using solid state and will stay with that.🤜🤛

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Rock on Brother !

[@spandel100]

@@OCDHIFiGuy That being said,I might invest in an iFi Tube buffer at a later stage.Only has a single soldered tube.

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

@@spandel100 i have the itube 2 for a few years now as a buffer, on all the time no hiss no noise no hassles you can't tube roll other than that it's an absolute gem! got mine second hand for 250$ i'm a serious tube head ifi picked one of the nicest tubes to listen to that will never be mushy since it has a neutral midrange, crisp very open highs and bass extension like nobody's business. i use many ge's on guitar amps the guys at ifi have good taste and really clever designs, their all line of preamps is around these tubes that they got for no money since there are no modern applications for bare wire tubes, every tube amp maker guitar or home gear can only dream of using vintage tubes in mass produced gear. i also have the idac2 ipurifier3 ipower mercury usb cable and like them all.

[@spandel100]

@@yaniv-nos-tubes Good to hear...I have the IfI Zen One Signature which is very good to my ears,and does everything you could want in a DAC.

[@anjovandijk9797]

​@@spandel100 or take it a step further with the Modwright Analog bridge

[@michaelbutterworthphotographer]

I made a tripple sype hybrid amp. It has a laser trimmed matched dual BJT input transister, matched EL34 matched pentodes as triodes and complimentry MOS FET output stage. The PCB is symetrical - it sound great.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Cool !! Congratulations!!

[@leoli578]

The point of hifi is to have fun and get dive into sound pleasure. Thats why tube is never replaceable.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Same with World Class solid state..

[@nk-gp1ml]

Absolutely right. The biggest nightmare I have had is any component with multiple tubes and tube types. Even worse when combined with a tube regulated power supply. Trying to get the ‘right’ balance of sound and for that to be consistent over time is a fast track to expensive misery and frustration. It’s like trying to hit a fast moving target with an unreliable and very unstable weapon. I have used a hybrid amp with a single tube in the input stage and no tube regulated power supply for several years - sounds great and fortunately have several spare tubes. If I need to change power amp in the future, it will definitely be 100% solid state.

[@scottchegg1209]

Oh dear. Buy good equipment.

[@nk-gp1ml]

@@scottchegg1209 it’s not about good equipment. It’s the expense of decent NOS tubes (I have accumulated quite a few over 30 years) and the hassle of finding the optimal tube brand or type in a circuit when there may be different tubes at several stages. None of that cost or hassle with a good solid state amplifier after initial purchase.

[@scottchegg1209]

Nos tubes overrated. Plenty of modern amps out there using "easy" tubes. Worked in the industry for over 35 years. Too much bullshit about tubes. SS sucks until megabucks

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Megabucks is relative... Under $20K NOT Megabucks..

[@yaniv-nos-tubes]

@@nk-gp1ml you have no way to predict the synergy in your system with that new solid state amp, tube amps are more flexible and give you the ability to voice the amp to your taste by swapping tubes .or maybe you prefer power conditioners and 4k cables with unpredictable results? vintage tubes are predictable their sound profile is known for decades. you can always sell your nos tubes for more than what youve paid for them.

[@michaelgatti3811]

Really helpful comparison. Does it apply to hybrid integrateds where the tube is for the pre amp?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not as much..

[@randygreen7871]

I've had many high end solid state amps and you'll never realize what your missing until you switch to tubes. That rich warm full fluid sound can only be had with tubes, that's why they always say, 'sounds tube like'

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

What solid state amps ?

[@AV-MusicMan]

Great video on a contentious topic! If you need 100DB output plus, then speaker efficiency and transistor. I have 805 mono blocks with full range electro stats. Jaw dropping sound when you match tubes with stats. My max db level is about 95 w/o clipping. I had a active biamp transistor setup for 20 yrs, could do 120db output as the speakers were 101db with 1w. Tubes warmup for serious listening faster than transistor, 1 hr vs 1 day. I prefer tubes because they look really cool, especially the big ones. Class A is pretty affordable in the tube world. 300B, 845, 805 vs SS. I also have KT 88 push pull mono blocks that are pretty decent, 80w but not as good as class A monoblock. Tubes are great for serious listening if you don’t need chest thumping power and you have efficient speaker.

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

There is actually pretty many mastering studios that uses tubes. I know of 2 alone that uses audio note. And several others using ear audio tube amps. A ton of the very big mastering studios are using tubes in the mastering console. So saying no one does is it bit wrong :) Tubes can last a very long time if done right. My first El84 oto is 22 years old and are still rocking the stock tubes with a bazillion hours on them. My old western amps from the late 60s are still with the original tubes. As said. Don right. The tubes can really last a long time.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, You are correct. I forgot that Mastering guys ADD their flavor to the recording.... So find me a Tracking Engineer that uses tubes...

[@fredflintstone8048]

... also having tubes matched, performing the same is very important for AB (push pull) amps. Another problem with most tube amps and some solid state amps is that the power supplies are unregulated. This will cause a voltage sag when more power is drawn for the output which is going to be at lower frequencies, so you get waveform distortion from that.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Very True...

[@mikegoddard7354]

If you love tubes, and take into consideration what Mikey said I suggest you go class A. Class A definitely always has a nice rich sound. If you cant do pure class A you can get A/B with a high bias in class A. Most of the time audio never really jumps past 8 watts, which would basically keep the amp performing in class A. Clearly option two is a world class A/B with a tube pre amp which less bs. As he stated, the less tubes the better and the least problems which are mentioned. I will say though class A does not provide a holographic sound stage like some tube amps

[@bombers7878]

Love my A/B Job 225 made by Goldmund. Absolute hi-end for $1000 used. Never letting it go!

[@Tahitian58]

I have a Job 225 as well! I feel exactly the same way as you do’ Also have a HH Scott LK-72 and a McIntosh MC240 for when jonesing for tubes.

[@bombers7878]

@@Tahitian58 what speakers are you driving? I’ve got Vandersteen 2ce Sig’s. Plenty of juice for them

[@Tahitian58]

@@bombers7878 Buchardt S300’s

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yeah, I bought a NuForce version of it a long time ago... they were only $450 bucks on Amazon... Board actually says JOB225..

[@joeyahoo4493]

My SACD player (Shanling SCDT200C) has tubes & SS output. For me SS is more realistic (than tubes) because I've ever attended a small chamber orchestra. I sat at the 4th row near the centre. The sound comes forward, live & aggressive. When I listening using the tubes I feel I listening to the sound in a bit farther distance with a bigger room. Yes, listening for long hours less fatigue but not realistic.

[@billfarrell4387]

Hey Mikey Glad to hear you will be recommending solid state amps under 10k

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Coming right up !

[@tallpaull9367]

Get the best of both worlds with the Billie Heaven 11 Mark II Integrated Amplifier. Tube Preamp with ClassD power. I’m surprised that you don’t already carry this amp Mikey. It’s mostly Made in Canada too!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I did that trick ten years ago. ;-)

[@tallpaull9367]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Heaven 11 available at 11 Stereo, no brainer 11-11

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

My Carr slant 6v guirsr amp uses 4 6v6, 6 12ax7 and a 5ar4. Retubing that has become EXTREMELY expensive but sounds great when cranked up. Tube prices are certainly crazy right now.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

For sure. It's ridic.

[@77MovieFan]

Tubes are the vinyl of the amps (really nice and fun but a pain in the ass)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes...

[@navybean1560]

Have you played with/auditioned Bob Carver’s tube amps??

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Sorry, Dont like Bob Carver anything. But Im sure his latest tube amps sound good. That same design has been regurgitated time and again over the last 30 years. (3 transformers in back with 4 pentodes up front) they are very inexpensive to build... go look at Jolida for instance...

[@robertrevelo1624]

LS28 SE audio research preamp? $14k AUSD what do you think?

[@zackw4941]

If you're interested in budget friendly American made products, how do you feel about Schiit? I'm not sure about their DACs or the Frey+, but their amps are great. I own a Vidar and my friend brought his Tys over last weekend. (As well as his Freya+ and higher end Audio-gd DAC\pre and I know how you feel about that.) The Tyrs are very transparent, crystal clear, lively, high resolution and smooth. I was expecting maybe a thicker sound or something, but no. I wouldn't call them lean, either. They really are a wire with gain that seems to do everything right and nothing wrong. I would be really interested to see how you feel about them in the greater scheme of high end gear. Compared to the pre-out of my friend's R27-HE, which isn't a fair comparison really, the Freya+ had a pleasant sound and I thought I liked it better at first. But we finally decided that it just cost too much resolution and didn't add enough joy to make up for it. We tested all this equipment on my Tekton Moabs.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I think it's good entry level stuff for sure.

[@zackw4941]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I would be interested for you to put a pair of Tyrs head to head with something like a Jeff Rowland 125 and any other favored contenders in the $2-5k range. I know JR build quality is a big factor. Style aside, schiit products are very well built and I'm more interested in the sound at that point. Keep up the good work Mikey! ✌️

[@BlackHamRadioUniversity]

Quick question...I have a ham radio video podcast and i was wondering if you would be a guest on the show to discuss both types of amplifiers as you did in this video. Would you be interested?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Well, possibly. Call me at 11stereo.com and we can discuss it. I know nothing about radio transmitters however.

[@stevethetoolman2435]

Thank you. Incredible information. Greatly appreciated.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikeday62]

Tubes for preamp...solid state for power amp.

[@joeyahoo4493]

Secret of Rich Soundstage Last year I bought used a pair (stereo) of Borberly headphone amps & a pair of its PSU also designed by Borberly. All already assembled by the previous owner. I jst providing its metal case, drill it & wiring it. Back in year 2009, whn Borberly was still selling his kits, these stuffs are evil ! LOL. Borberly's kits are high quality & expensive. Both amp kits (unassembled) was $ 600 & both PSU kits $ 500 (without 2 transformers). At the beginning I hesitated to buy 2 PSU (so it will become 2 independent PSU to power up 2 mono blocks. L & R channels are entirely separated) bcs it still costs me ($ 250 without transformers). Finally I bought the 2 PSU. I wanted to give it a try bcs I've ever heard people say it gives good stereo imaging. Aft finished wiring & fine tuning I tested wth an orchestra. I was shocked ! Why every instrument sounded a bit farther apart. I thought something wrong wth the amp. I was figuring it out. It's not good I'd spent $ 500 for only 4 boards of used assembled electronic stuffs (without the case & transformers) & I've spent alot of time wiring it meticulously & trouble shooting (at the beginning didn't sound yet). Finally I realised tht's the good effect of mono blocks (separated PSU) whr each channel has its own PSU. It costs more but bloody good ! Tons of air & good stereo imaging.

[@andrewp9725]

Synergy is everything

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Absolutely

[@redrustler1]

On the other hand, Al Di Meola, Bill Frisell, Jim Hall, Pete Entwistle, Joe Bonamassa, Jeff Beck (RIP), Carlos Santana, SRV, etc. all preferred tube guitar amplifiers. Indeed, David Braatz of the University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences found that 72% of guitar players prefer using a tube based guitar amplifier. He actually found that more guitar players prefer using modeling amplifiers than solid state amplifiers. But, what do they know about consistency and business?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Lol. Thus is THE OCD "HIFI GUY" channel. Of course Tubes are better for guitar but who's talking about Marshall or Mesa Boogie ? Not me. And tube guitar amps are great because guitar players love to saturate the shit out of them for heavy distortion and compression. Exactly what we DONT want in HiFi... ;-) love me a Marshall Plexi though....

[@aleksandarstojceski3139]

No Jim Hall used solid state Politone since the 60's. Same as Joe Pass. Hifi is Reproduction, guitar amp is totally different thing.

[@Phloored]

Horses for courses.

[@redrustler1]

@@OCDHIFiGuy You mentioned recording studios and mastering, so I felt it fair game.

[@redrustler1]

@@aleksandarstojceski3139 He also used a Gibson GA-50 tube guitar amp. If you listened to the video, Mike discussed recording and mastering, which is on the creative side of music. As are guitarists and their amplifiers.

[@vespass225]

Well, the second order harmonics generated in the tube output stage get cancelled out in the output transformer if you have a push-pull amp. If you really want to listen to a typical tube sound regarding harmonics, you will have to get yourself a single ended amp. KT88:s and KT120:s and other KT-tubes, are NOT pentodes, but tethrodes

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Great. I've moved on to SET amps. No push pull...

[@saint6563]

Absolutely right! Nothing was recorded using tubes before solid state consoles in the late 60's. hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

There u go...

[@fardosh4193]

Excellent video thanks a lot! Keep up your good work!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks, will do!

[@johnmann726]

Thanks for your honest assessment.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

You bet !

[@SpirallingOut]

The other day I told you one of the amps I have on my list to consider to power entry level Maggies is the Burson Timekeeper GT monos, made right here in Australia. They use opamps, which I hear are somewhat interchangeable. Is that similar to what tube rolling does for tube amps?

[@zackw4941]

Tubes and solid state will always sound a little different, for the reasons Mikey pointed out. But yes, if you can roll op-amps, different ones will sound different and more expensive ones might be all together better.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, Zack nailed it... you can roll opamps, but if thats the whole output stage of the amp, the amp will be very weak..

[@SpirallingOut]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I heard the Bursons had more than enough power (current) to drive smaller Maggies well at mid-low volumes. They're also more affordable, at around 5 grand here a pair.

[@KirkLazurus]

Mikey have you auditioned the JR 735 monos? Are they an improvement over the 625 S2?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Better stereo separation and tighter damping, but currently unavailable.

[@AUDIO.and.SCOTCH]

Tubes!!!

[@dragocelander6671]

Great, concise video, Reverend Mikey! Always appreciate hearing the gospel. Where do I send my tithes and offerings? 10% for da man…

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks buddy !

[@rca6576]

I still love the phony baloney sound of tubes. It's just music to me and I'm not after super accurate sound (obviously) I mean I'm not in a studio needing a studio monitor. Some SS are great though too.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Tubes are on my tweeters as we speak..

[@rca6576]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Wonderful!

[@jamiemcneil9462]

Perhaps a quality A/B amp with a high bias, around 12 watts, putting out a bout 50 - 70 watts continuous per side. Would that be a cool amp for Stereo 11? Is CODA still around, they might make a good partner for you if that company is the same as back in the past.

[@FeedScrn]

A/B switch for > 1 Amp / Receiver.

[@outboardfun3353]

i was just wondering if you have or know of somebody that has worn out a tube from hours of use?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Nope, Ive known people that have had them simply cook and stop working altogether. I had one melt down the second I turned it on, I know a user that flicked a tube with a pencil eraser to see if it was making noise and it shorted out and blew the transformer on his amp, a guy 2 days ago told me his tube was crackling in one channel.... stuff like that ...

[@allardvanderstarre5238]

I've had Luxman brid amps,and a sq 38 u(tube); but these days i'm happy with an exposure 2510(underrated) solid state-its less hasslethan tubes

[@Mikexception]

I share my time - time for listening music is only part of it - may be max one hour a day With 5000 hours of tube life span it makes me 16 years of no hassle. Another 2 sets of tubes already wait for their time😌 With this I have may be not more fun but different impression when I want it. .For qiet evening I usualy prefer semiconductor which has deeper loudness and in day time it is tube which has more vivid loudness correction .

[@allardvanderstarre5238]

the sq 38 u was very good, but needed new power tubes every 2-3 years

[@johndoe-vb9sm]

You just changed my mind about getting a tube amp. I was wanting one for that sweet spacious sound everyone talks about. Nope. Im good lol. Sounds like maintaining a car. They are cheap though. Steel is cheap and design seems sane. Chrome plated, heavy transformers, Its a looker on the shelf. Has some draw to it. Im not ready yet. Thanks for this vid and saving me some moneys until Im ready to try one.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

John keep in mind at the low price level, tubes outperform SS... ;-)

[@johndoe-vb9sm]

Gotcha👍 I will marinate on that. Thanks

[@Istocemosad111]

Good sound only tube amp and preamp, maybe A-clas SS. If a good sound is the first.

[@MsCorbacho]

Tubes all the way for me , using them for 25 years now , every time I use a solid state amp ( or try…..) I ……very fast go back to tubes again

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for sharing!

[@fabien7079]

AGD tubes use socket two pin connection?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes...

[@toddhupp]

how about the hybrids

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It's a way to "smooth" a weak SS section. I don't like them.

[@phils4634]

Hybrid offers the best of both worlds in terms of sound "quality" per dollar. Most hybrids use a pair of double triodes in the pre-amp stage (for the "valve sound", with solid state linear amplification in the output stage. Whilst retaining the even-order harmonics associated with tubes (which contributes to the characteristic sound), the solid state output stage is far cheaper to build, and you don't have the recurrent cost of replacing pretty costly power pentodes or triodes (e.g. the B300, or KT88's). Pre-amp tubes tend to be more durable (Soviet tubes have a 5000+ hour lifespan!), and if they do go, a pair can be replaced for relatively peanuts (tens, rather than thousands, of dollars!)

[@OscarSanchez-tk3hx]

A winner Info thanks for sharing

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@they7991]

Solid State💪Leema tucana mk2 anniversary edition

[@net_news]

I'm poor so I prefer tubes... I can have beautiful sound with any 300b triode amp and a pair of high sensitivity speakers. A Solid State amp that sounds as beautiful costs tons of money, you have to go class A or very high quality class AB and that's $$$$$

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

True that. Look for used Jolida. ;-)

[@brianthomas486]

Great info thank you.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Great information thanks Mikey 😊

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Any time!

[@Brian-qg8dg]

What about Kevin Grey's new studio, all valve. Kirsten edkins shapes and sound LP sounds amazing. Sure, it's not for the masses, nut neither is audiophile. Just because it's hard to keep the sound consistent with using tubes, does not diminish the quality of the sound.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I love tubes. Have a literal closet full.. truly... thousands of them. Not for business. Only for play IMHO.

[@ntwocars]

Where Can I Buy That Background Picture?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

IKEA

[@ericmc6482]

Nice distillation.

[@ptg01]

Could not agree with your overarching assessment more... Tubes are for fun whereas solid state is much more practical. I have a switch to do BOTH ! All depends on my mood. Well done Mikey !!!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I do both as well... ;-)

[@skipgordon5382]

Since the majority of us are not doing this audiophile stuff to make a living, I would put our endevors in the category of "fun". Fun because it is an escape from the everyday rat race. To say tubes are for fun and solid state if you mean business. That statement means nothing to me. We all must live within our financial limitations. Your summary led me to believe that a better sound may be possible with tubes if cost is the scale of measurement but the buyer must be ready for the uncertainties of the electronics and the speaker limitations. You mentioned a $6,000 solid state amp that will be revealed later. I will be watching to see what it is. The final result of all of this is so multidimensional it becomes very much a situation by situation analysis. I've been at it for almost 50 years and until 4 years ago I only had solid state. Now I'm all tubes. It's time to have more fun I guess. I have a PrimaLuna EVO 400 preamp and 2 EVO 400 power amps (running all Telefunken tubes EL34, 12AU7, 5AR4), driving Sopra 3 speaker with two REL S/5 SHO Subs (12 in). I listen to vinyl, cds's and stream. When you have a couple thousand albums and cd's it's hard to just stream. I guess my point is there are many options and your point about solid state being the most reliable and easiest to manage is spot on. As with everything it needs to be the right piece of gear.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, very true... sounds like youve been talking to Uncle Kevvy... ;-)

[@skipgordon5382]

@@OCDHIFiGuy - I have heard his sales pitches and knowing he has a vested interest makes the message also a little bias. I will say Prima Luna is the only company that the owner has written to me at any time and he continues to stay in touch. Herman Van Den Dugen is a unique business man. He really tries to supply quality at an affordable price which to me is the definition of value. For 15K I am very pleased.

[@van94weightlossjourney]

I think you need both. Life is short. Two amps for every boy - Beach Boys.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

YES !!

[@carlsitler9071]

"Tubes are like vinyl. They are fun but archaic."

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Totally... ;-)

[@ocme9210]

My Solid State Luxman L-590AX II has 30W pure class A and sounds stupid good for $4,250 USD

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

What happens if you listen to The Tubes with a solid state amp? 🤔

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Hybrid ? Better off doing one or the other. Usually Hybrids are to hide a harsh SS section using tubes..

[@pizzaearthpancakesandother2549]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I was thinking the Tubes 'Young and Rich' album from 1976

[@rfeldman1]

Kevin Grey using a all valve system on his new label Cohearent. Getting rave reviews.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Theres exception to every rule....

[@gage4375]

Class D amps and tube pre amps💯😎

[@TheNorliss]

"You can toon with toobs.." 😄

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Word up...

[@Gez492]

How come most of the best sounding recordings were ones recorded in studios using tubes

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I dont think thats true... Youll need a strong concise argument with proof on that statement. Then I can comment...

[@Fiend404]

depends on the speakers

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

The amp defines what speakers you can or can not use.

[@coolwheelz5190]

Simple, tubes! Next?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Give yourself 10 more years in the hobby and you'll change your mind..;-)

[@coolwheelz5190]

@@OCDHIFiGuy I'm 30 years in...10 more years is not likely to change my mind...:)

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@@coolwheelz5190 for a guitar amp ?

[@coolwheelz5190]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Nope

[@chebrubin]

What is your class D perspective?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

It falls under solid state. Few of the makers know how to make Class D musical. Mostly they are too clean and "perfect" sounding.

[@ptg01]

@@OCDHIFiGuy Bruno Putzeys ???

[@dr.zoidberg4313]

Any thoughts on Lavardin solid state amps Mikey?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Never heard of them. Let me look.

[@dr.zoidberg4313]

@@OCDHIFiGuy They're a little bit 300B and a little bit EL34, but without the 2nd order distortion. I've owned a couple, but not the latest versions. Definitely worth a listen, but the IT version gave me grief as it was so sensitive to mains noise.

[@cletusberkeley9441]

Nothing beats tubes IMHO..... Long live KT-88s

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Try GM70s !

[@edg5367]

Tubes Rule the world

[@edg5367]

@@davidcross890 Your a special kinda clown aren’t you

[@edg5367]

@@davidcross890 What in the hell are you flapping about guy. You make no sense at all

[@edg5367]

@@davidcross890 Aren’t you the guy who said that you work at Bell labs? I do know you for sure are one those who likes blowing smoke up his own ass saying how much cash they’ve spent on ULTRA HIGH END audio just to say look what I have. That’s justme

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

@Cross, you are my demographic to a Tee... holler sometime... Just to talk... You totally get it clearly..

[@edg5367]

@@davidcross890 LMAO. If you say so guy. Buy the way I never said I’m not running SS in tandem with tubes. Never mind you have no clue on the multiple rigs in run. And last I’m sure I can learn nothing from you whatever

[@mdhj67]

I am far from convinced on the "even harmonic soft clipping" rhetoric we constantly here with respect to tube systems. I've seen tube amps on the o-scope exhibit abrupt clipping and rail sticking that looks as harsh as any overdriven op-amp. And push-pull amps will also have cross-over distortion which is not usually harmonic. With respect getting balanced tubes, the fact that a set of tubes can age differently was already mentioned. However, variance in parts drift as they age can affect every component in the signal chain. Tubes, transistors, op amps, IC, and passives (resistors, capacitors, inductors) will all go their merry way as they age. And here's the dirty little secret. Your ears will also drift as they age. Your hearing will change! At 62 I've lost most of my high frequency sensitivity which is where most of the subtlety of sound quality exist. I feel like I can tell the difference between sub $100 computer speakers and $3000 reference monitors but would I really know the difference in a blind test? 🤔 Cheers,

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Also, lets add in that at one point of our climbing the "sucess" ladder we realize weve got a decent amount of money saved and by golly we deserve to ENJOY nice things before we die.. Not all of us have Kids that need it .. or even have Kids for that matter. So we buy and surround ourselves with hand made beautiful pieces... Even if it sounds the same as a $100 plastic piece of Chinese junk, we want the nice solid billet aluminum piece made in USA because it makes us FEEL better... ;-) Its a great convo.

[@progrock3603]

Any opinion on tube dampers?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not the same on every tube... good on some, shitty on others...

[@freeradical6390]

Like a Timex, my Pioneer SX3700 just keeps on rockin. I am ready for some new class D action tho, I need mo powa. JR125 on my wish list.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Holla atta brotha

[@masterazlan6999]

Tubes rollin..dats the advantages..imagine u r tryin 1950s..wow older then us...peace!

[@masterazlan6999]

He2...im mixing solid state as dac N tubes as amp..yup all bal in out..Imagine the solid state is Good...plus dis tubes..wow my day is made!!!

[@carlsitler9071]

Sounds like tubes are a pain in the ass. I like listening to other's tube amps but I wouldn't buy one. It is hot enough in Florida.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

True, and its a labor of love.... Plus they look awesome at night ! ;-)

[@xstensl8823]

tube roll=rabbit hole

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Word

[@asx1248]

You need to put statements like "Tubes have very high distortion levels" into context. Yes but good valve amps can minimise this to 0.1-0.2% at 1W which is impercievable as distortion, rising to 1% at (for honest OEMs) full power. And yes 2nd order is the harmonic which is most musical but again limiting to 2nd order harmonics is design dependant. For 'fun' I use solid state. For serious listening where I want maximum enjoyment I use valves. And let's make an anology with racing car drivers. Performance for them is effected by the tyres they use which need changing more often than on a lower performance car. Valves should be considered the same, they contribute to the performance but yes need changing at a frequency determined by design (again) and use. You enter the world of valves aware of this need. And I think saying valves of the same brand can sound "totally" different will put people off valve amps. It's slightly unfair wouldn't you say? Yes if you're unlucky it can sound totally different but the reality is it will be subtle. To "sell" the idea of valves to those unsure, I'd point out it's very rare for someone who has started using a good valve amp to go back to using solid state because valve designs just sound so musical, natural (both in tone and being able to close your eyes and imagine walking around the performers) and lastly they are un-fatiguing (you can listen forever) so why would you ever want to go back?!

[@petekutheis3822]

Maybe when that tube amp and the speakers dont sound as good together. My MC75s do not sound stellar with my Sonusfaber Olympica 1s. However, my purify based Class D does. As soon as Marchand gets me my toy I will be seeing what it is like for the class D to drive the mid-range, and the 75s to drive the highs.

[@asx1248]

@@petekutheis3822 yes fair enough. I'm not a big believer in synergy until it comes to valve amps and that's something Mikey should have brought up. Valve amps don't sustain a fixed voltage as impedance changes so they act a little like an uncontrollerabke tone control. It means if your speakers impedance curves are up and down, some frequencies will be accentuated. I should have said discovering valves and having a complimentary pair of speakers, then you never go back to solid state!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its clear you've never heard World Class Solid state.....

[@asx1248]

@@OCDHIFiGuy It seems like I've upset you by having a different perspective and your response is pretty typical of hifi snobs along with comebacks like "..Well I have 40 years experience so I must be correct". People can enjoy different things. Your definition of world class may differ from other's. I could say back to you that "it's clear you've not heard world class valve designs" but I don't see how that improves the discussion.

[@vinoheart]

WOW

[@Exgol2005]

Sense hurts. I luv to(BE) play and listen SSeriously. CLASS A SS my poison!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Word...

[@bradt.3555]

Tubes are great for guitar amps, for hi fi it's kinda a waste of money, working on guitar amps as much as I do you'll find today's tubes are horribly lacking too.I have some nos rca and sylvania 12ax7's and nothing today sounds as good as the rca's. Consistency is an issue too. Today's solid state stuff is so improved over when transistors were first being used. Really SS is giving you a truer reproduction of the original recording. True it takes more watts SS as opposed to tubes, but so what. I grew up with tube tv's, would anyone wanna go back to those?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Very true... I've got a closet full of NOS....

[@IsaacChew]

Mikey probably is not carrying tube amp?

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

I am the sole USA Distributor for the best tube amp company in the world. NAT Audio of Serbia.... any other questions ?

[@baycchief3785]

Hybrid is the solution of both worlds 😂

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Its the half ass way to design... no pun intended...lol

[@masterazlan6999]

Solid cuz tubes has expired time. peace!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Right on..

[@thedude6478]

Mike’s no sense approach was irritating at first. (I attribute that to strength of his conviction and the searing pain of truth). Now that I’ve adjusted, the wisdom he shares is easily apparent and cascades freely. Yes, have fun. It’s the point. But unless you’re printing currency in your basement, above all, be smart in your choices.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thanks man !

[@Mikexception]

Sorry but this is kind a strange to say that only in case of tubes the same tube may sound different in two different amplifiers. Because it is all the same with semoconductor Or saying that with changing circuitry voltages only tube amplifer is affected by slight change of timbre but in semiconductor it's no problem at all. We have audio gear only for one reason - to have fun. If there is less fun then it is worse choice I do not want to say I do not want solid (have few and they are exceptional) but there are only 2 eventual advantages - with solid I save on electricity bill and second I do not care about time left for replacement of active semiconductors. Still many say that capacitors are 5 years durable which I also find fantasy because they would dream only to listen my amplifiers bboth tube and semoconductor using more than 50 years old capcitors.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Yes, good point... Though Audio is for FUN.. correct ? Fun listening to TUBES and GEAR or FUN Listening to MUSIC ? I prefer MUSIC ...;-)

[@jorgdietz7254]

Kaputt… that is german 😊Greetings

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Greetings Jorg !

[@bubblehead5394]

I have both and keep going back to my solid state gear. You hit the nail on the head. Tubes are fun, but... quality solid state is more consistent and reliable. I still prefer to spin my vinyl over listening to digital, so suck on that 😉

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

LOL, Its OK.... I still love you BH...

[@Gez492]

Mikey I really don't care, music is about enjoyment for your analogue listening system our human ears. Tubes may well be more demanding but they just sound better to me.

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Thats great, then use them !! I LOVE Tubes and have a closet full... But im tuning a speaker right now and I need transparent sonic, otherwise Ill tune my speaker for a tube amp and it will be off..

[@akhtarizod5802]

Tube = whippy Bass !!

[@OCDHIFiGuy]

Not if the output transformers are huge and the speaker is efficient... Then they grip..