Thread: Tubed Power Amplifiers. Are the disadvantages too great ?

I like hearing other opinions on stuff like this. Zero chance of going out and listening to and playing with all this gear where I live. I like reading about other peoples experiences.

Originally Posted by AJ Soundfield

Worldwide space programs long abandoned solid state hardware for audiophile tube technology, especially in deep space probes. Believe me.

You do realize that satellites use microwave tubes which share something in common with audio tubes? They are both vacuum tubes.

Originally Posted by Kingrex

I'm burning 14 tubes now listening to music.

Kingrex.......Same here, 14 tubes for the living room sound system, and 20 tubes for the studio sound system. Love every minute of it.

Originally Posted by Kingrex

Well I learned something new today. I thought only the Russians were still using tubes. Hahaha

To bad the space program is not demanding some incredible 12AX7 OR 6922. I'm sure that would make a lot of us happy.

I'm burning 14 tubes now listening to music.

Do you know that your microwave oven uses a vacuum tube?

Originally Posted by jdandy

Kingrex.......Thank you for the compliment. I thought about digging into solid state amplification in last night's post but it was 12:30 AM, I was getting tired, and the post was getting lengthy. You bring up a good point about solid state failures. They are not as uncommon as people tend to believe, and often can result in catastrophic damage to the output stage and power supply. Like you said, matching critical parts like outdated output transistors can be a challenge when repairs are made, with some repairs ultimately altering the sonic signature integrity. I have owned many solid state amplifiers, Hafler, Dynaco, Adcom, Kenwood, and at least 10 McIntosh solid state power amps, as well as 10 McIntosh tube power amplifiers. I have been fortunate that only a couple components caused repair issues. The majority have been reliable performers.

There is no guarantee that audio equipment will not fail at some point. Being a solid state component doesn't make it immune to failure. If it were a given that all audio components would last a half century there would be no such thing as a factory warranty. Who would need one. Then again, there is no reason not to believe well designed and built audio gear can't last an indefinite period of time. I have a 50+ year old McIntosh MA230 integrated amplifier (solid state preamp/tube power amp) that still sounds marvelous. Listening to it, you would not have any thought of its age. I had the power supply rebuilt with new caps, but beyond that the MA230 integrated amp is still making sweet music after all these years. This is my YouTube video of the McIntosh MA230 playing in the studio.

Funny, as I read your posts, now I get to hear your voice.

Good score, sounds nice!


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Originally Posted by mep

Do you know that your microwave oven uses a vacuum tube?

Correct, and some FYI https://blog.oureducation.in/microwa...ices-prologue/

Originally Posted by mep

You do realize that satellites use microwave tubes which share something in common with audio tubes? They are both vacuum tubes.

Unfortunately I only worked in the RF industry for a few years, so I lack that kind on intricate audiophile knowledge you possess Mark. I had no idea what a TWT is, thanks for sharing. Guess my jest/joke was on me.
Could you explain the correlation between that and for example, audion reliability vs ss ?

Originally Posted by AJ Soundfield

Unfortunately I only worked in the RF industry for a few years, so I lack that kind on intricate audiophile knowledge you possess Mark. I had no idea what a TWT is, thanks for sharing. Guess my jest/joke was on me.
Could you explain the correlation between that and for example, audion reliability vs ss ?

It was this comment from you:

"Worldwide space programs long abandoned solid state hardware for audiophile tube technology, especially in deep space probes. Believe me."

I just wanted you to know that tubes are being used in space because I didn't think you knew that.