tube amps. are they worth it?

[greggsound]

i am wondering if tube amps are better than solid state.
the solid state has more power and costs less, why do i need
tube for only it is supposed to sound better but costs alot?

[MikeP]

Good question ... any hardcore analog heads (Jimbo?) out there? I've always been intrigued about the 'warmth' in the sound that tubes are supposed to create. There was even a software program I came across that digitally simulated the effect of vacuum tubes. Analogous to analog?[:D]

[fritzb]

You are never gonna get a straight answer to this. [:p]

It's kinda like a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Harley lovers will tell you they are the best bikes in the world, even though a comparable rice rocket will blow it away in every way measurable for half the price. [;)]

Anyone who spends $3000+ on a tube amp is gonna tell you it's worth every penny. Personally I'd rather have a good high power solid state amp. I can "warm" the sound just fine with EQ and effects. [:)]

[eight6]

Greggsound:

Tube socks I know, tube tops I REALLY know, but tube amps, I know not. But as I'm here boring you, here's an open question: What's the difference between warm and sweet as it pertains to tube amps? My audio restoration package has a Virtual Valve Amplifier tool, supposedly to impart the warmth of a tube amp. Among the setting are Warm and Sweet.

Like Fritz, it seems to me that it is basically another way to equalize. I will say this, it does give the music more presence. Any input would be welcome.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/vvt.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/eight.gif"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/spinning6.gif">

[greggsound]

that is not a real tube amp. i do not think it's really
the same thing at all.

[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by greggsound[/i]
<br>that is not a real tube amp. i do not think it's really
the same thing at all.
[/quote]

Greg:

I know that. I was merely taking advantage of the fact that if somebody does respond, they may be able to answer my question. Oh, and it was the perfect time to let people know that I am a veritable font of knowledge when it comes to tube socks and tube tops.

<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/eight.gif"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/spinning6.gif">

[waukena]

hey eight 6-9-6-9-6-9...

for me the 'warmth' thing was always the wrong term...I played an Acoustic 370 forever til I got hooked on tech and traded it in to get a GK unit...I think the thing I found different was the 'depth' of the sound...the Acoustic, though it had inferior specs to the Galien Kruger, had a sound that kinda washed over you. Tubes have a vacuum in them and subtly change the waveform as it passes through them. Thermonic emission is the electro-term...to be bored shitless, read here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_tubes

Every tube reacts differently under every circumstance, due to weather, erosion, breakdown, voltage variations, etc...I played both heads through the same bottom and with the same guitars, so the comparison was easy...you can reproduce warmth and sweetness, but the feeling is different, especially live...that's the best I can explain...make any sense to anybody?

edit...be certain that if you buy something vintage you can still get tubes for it...I've been dealing with these guys for 20 years and they're the best...

http://www.angela.com/

oh, and I've always found tube socks to be way warmer than transistor socks...[:D]

[greggsound]

thanks for the pointer thermionic emission and
space charge, really great. so the tube amps
are good ones.

[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by waukena[/i]
<br>hey eight 6-9-6-9-6-9...

for me the 'warmth' thing was always the wrong term...I played an Acoustic 370 forever til I got hooked on tech and traded it in to get a GK unit...I think the thing I found different was the 'depth' of the sound...the Acoustic, though it had inferior specs to the Galien Kruger, had a sound that kinda washed over you. Tubes have a vacuum in them and subtly change the waveform as it passes through them. Thermonic emission is the electro-term...to be bored shitless, read here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuum_tubes

Every tube reacts differently under every circumstance, due to weather, erosion, breakdown, voltage variations, etc...I played both heads through the same bottom and with the same guitars, so the comparison was easy...you can reproduce warmth and sweetness, but the feeling is different, especially live...that's the best I can explain...make any sense to anybody?

edit...be certain that if you buy something vintage you can still get tubes for it...I've been dealing with these guys for 20 years and they're the best...

http://www.angela.com/

oh, and I've always found tube socks to be way warmer than transistor socks...[:D]
[/quote]

Makes sense to me waukena; it's hard to describe, but it's definitely there.

Are you sure about the tube socks? These puppies might make you a converted transistor man.

http://www.cabelas.com/products/Cpod0005479.jsp


<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/eight.gif"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/spinning6.gif">

[greggsound]

lets be for real, there are really no transitors in the socks are there.

[eight6]

[quote][i]Originally posted by greggsound[/i]
<br>lets be for real, there are really no transitors in the socks are there.
[/quote]

Would I lie?


<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/eight.gif"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v647/dbince/spinning6.gif">

[Klaus Von Konrad]

Tube amps are not as accurate as solid state amps from a measurement point of view. They colorize the sound in a different way than SS amps. Some people prefer this effect and find tube amps better sounding. Tube amps cost much more so they are not for the value conscience. You are better off spending more on speakers and going with SS amps IMHO.

[bowiestation]

You should go to your local brick and mortor audio store and let your ears be the judge of tubes vs. solid state.I heard a Mcintosh tube amp(dont remember the wattage) once along with a solid state Classe amp(200 watts).Honestly,the tube amp had a slightly different sound with a little less base punch--this was in the same sound system swapping out the amps.Now this friend also had tube friendly speakers(Klipsch in which I modified his crossovers with much better parts to be up to par with the rest of his high end system) and he changed out the tubes for some other brand he said made a definitive difference.Midrange was beautiful sounding thru the Mac tho ! Tube amps require a little bit of maintenance from what I understand.There are some very affordable ones on the market such as Bottlehead kits(talk to Jimbo about that), then higher end from companies such as Rogue audio(magnum series).Some audiophiles really prefer to match a
solid state amp with a tube preamp combination in that order for a beautiful match.I myself have strictly solid state.If funds were prominent then I would dive into a tube preamp such as a Van Alstine model.Here's a link in interested .As stated above,opinions vary on this.Just my 2 cents worth !
http://www.avahifi.com/
http://www.audioreview.com/mfr/van-alst ... 91crx.aspx
http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/reviews/review.pl(some reviews by true audiophiles...you pick the category)

[effnyc]

What about a Hartke, which offers both options? I love my 3500.

At any rate, you may want to check this review site out:

http://www.bgra.net/reviews/head-index.html

Good luck.