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  1. #1
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    Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Is the best of both worlds when you blend tubes and solid state?

    If so, what are you running?

    If not, why?





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  2. #2
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    My first decent setup included a Sound Valves 101i Tube Pre with an Odyssey Stratos Plus and was really enjoyable for the cost and drove my Dynaudio 82s nicely.

    My main system now is all tube pre, with a Hybrid amp, again very enjoyable.

    I have yet had the chance to have a full tube amp or full tube integrated
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  3. #3
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    When I want maximum enjoyment, I opt for all tube amp and preamp. Typically though I enjoy playing music for hours on end. When I know that I am mostly going for the long haul, I’ll switch out the amp and use solid state. It’s still great but I worry less about wear and tear.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  4. #4

    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    When I want maximum enjoyment, I opt for all tube amp and preamp. Typically though I enjoy playing music for hours on end. When I know that I am mostly going for the long haul, I’ll switch out the amp and use solid state. It’s still great but I worry less about wear and tear.
    There's that tube worry again...
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  5. #5
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by mep View Post
    There's that tube worry again...
    Sooooooo?
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  6. #6

    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Sooooooo?
    It's just funny Joe. Tubeaphobia.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  7. #7
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    I've got a hybrid system. MC 2301 power amps have SS input circuits and tube outputs. My C 1100 has a hybrid MC preamp section - SS input, tube output. So even though my components are labeled 'Tube' they are hybrids. I like the way they sound.

    With three MC 2301's in the mix, a tube change out is 24 KT-88's and 6 12 AT7's. That's not counting the 12 tubes in the preamp. Wear and tear is just a budget item, kind of like having a phono cartridge to deal with.
    Tom

    Audio:
    Amati Futura Mains
    Amati Homage VOX Center,
    Proac Response 1sc Rears,
    Three MC2301's for L,C,R
    MC 602 for the rears
    C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
    Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
    SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC

    Video:
    MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.

    Lake House:
    Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3

    OnDeck:
    McIntosh MAC 4300v

  8. #8
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by W9TR View Post
    I've got a hybrid system. MC 2301 power amps have SS input circuits and tube outputs. My C 1100 has a hybrid MC preamp section - SS input, tube output. So even though my components are labeled 'Tube' they are hybrids. I like the way they sound.

    With three MC 2301's in the mix, a tube change out is 24 KT-88's and 6 12 AT7's. That's not counting the 12 tubes in the preamp. Wear and tear is just a budget item, kind of like having a phono cartridge to deal with.


    Haaa Ha ha, That's nothing like owning a Phono cartridge ....

  9. #9
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    When I want maximum enjoyment, I opt for all tube amp and preamp. Typically though I enjoy playing music for hours on end. When I know that I am mostly going for the long haul, I’ll switch out the amp and use solid state. It’s still great but I worry less about wear and tear.
    Good Idea , toob quality falls of faster than most would think , measuring bad is a different deal ........


    Regards

  10. #10
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    For an accurate, Hi-Fidelity, low maintenance sound, it's solid-state all the way!
    For a pleasant, euphonic sound, tubes are the first choice.

  11. #11
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    I’m fortunate to have the variety. Rotating gear does have its benefits. It certainly makes you appreciate what’s not in the system. The delta between great solid state and great tube gear is getting smaller all the time. Variety is the spice of life.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  12. #12
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Same here have options on both sides so I change based on mood and/or temperature.
    Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack

    Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810

    Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.

  13. #13
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    When I want maximum enjoyment, I opt for all tube amp and preamp. Typically though I enjoy playing music for hours on end. When I know that I am mostly going for the long haul, I’ll switch out the amp and use solid state. It’s still great but I worry less about wear and tear.
    enjoy life, don't worry about tube life -- yoshihiro muramatsu (almarro)

    btw: for me, its all tubes... all the time
    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
    alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii

  14. #14
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by aKnyght View Post
    enjoy life, don't worry about tube life -- yoshihiro muramatsu (almarro)

    btw: for me, its all tubes... all the time
    Typically on weekends, my system is constantly playing (if I need to run an errand or two, no big deal) weekdays for about 10-16 hours per day depending on my schedule. I don't leave tube amps unattended, but don't worry much about my tube preamps and solid state amps although nothing is immune. It's all good.

    I'm fine with the way I run my gear. You'd be surprised how many toasters, coffee pots, wall warts, etc cause problems. Where I work, I'm just a little more aware of what can happen. That's all.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  15. #15
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    Re: Tube, Solid State, Other?

    Quote Originally Posted by joeinid View Post
    Typically on weekends, my system is constantly playing (if I need to run an errand or two, no big deal) weekdays for about 10-16 hours per day depending on my schedule. I don't leave tube amps unattended, but don't worry much about my tube preamps and solid state amps although nothing is immune. It's all good...
    wow -- makes total sense for that many hours. that would burn through expensive and hard to find output tubes pretty quickly!

    i am only at ~2.5 hrs/day and like you don't leave it unattended. with an expected 2,000 hour life at the recommended bias setting i end up replacing my 6c33c output tubes about once every year or so -- at $69 each its not big deal.
    viking acoustics berlin r mk2 | air tight atc-5 + atm-300r | clearaudio concept + virtuoso v2 MM | t+a dac8 dsd + kanjiroba diy transport + roon rock
    alp-tone audio analog cables | core audio designs plyKraft 3L | hifi racks ltd podium t5-iii

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