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.
 
AJ Soundfield said:
Worldwide space programs long abandoned solid state hardware for audiophile tube technology, especially in deep space probes. Believe me.
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You do realize that satellites use microwave tubes which share something in common with audio tubes? They are both vacuum tubes.
 
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.
 
Kingrex said:
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.
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Do you know that your microwave oven uses a vacuum tube?
 
jdandy said:
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 Like you said, matching critical parts like outdated output transistors can be a challenge when repairs are made, with some repairs ultimately altering the sonic signature integrity.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.


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

Good score, sounds nice!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
 
mep said:
You do realize that satellites use microwave tubes which share something in common with audio tubes? They are both vacuum tubes.
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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 ?
 
AJ Soundfield said:
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 ?
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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.
 
mep said:
"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.
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Despite saying exactly that in my quote, with some jest thrown in to the joke. Mkay.
And again, this relates to Joes theme of reliability being one of the reasons he chose SS vs tube audio ampliciation...how?
 
AJ Soundfield said:
Despite saying exactly that in my quote, with some jest thrown in to the joke. Mkay.
And again, this relates to Joes theme of reliability being one of the reasons he chose SS vs tube audio ampliciation...how?
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AJ-You were making fun of tubes for not being reliable for space use and I was trying to make sure you're aware that we indeed have tubes flying in space. That's it. Nothing else. As for Joe's issues with tube amps, that's another kettle of fish. He has bad mojo with tubes and it's smart for him to avoid them forever.
 
So we don't use tubes in space? I need my tall black milking boots. Seeing there is some protection from emf burst with tube vs SS, I could see tubes in space as there is no atmosphere to dissipate solar flares. Owe well.

I guess I'm gonna have to buy a SS amp now. To bad Boulder is balanced only.
 
mep said:
AJ-You were making fun of tubes for not being reliable for space use
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No. I know exactly what a TWT is. You missed the jest/joke entirely. Much like the use of "Quantum" and "NASA" bandied about in "Audiophile cutting edge Tech" ads. There is no correlation to audio/audiophile applications whatsoever. Thats the joke.
Nevermind. I'd say "whoosh", but there's no such sounds in space...

mep said:
As for Joe's issues with tube amps, that's another kettle of fish. He has bad mojo with tubes and it's smart for him to avoid them forever.
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Whatever "mojo", his poition that reliability is a factor, certainly has merit. On earth.
 
Hey AJ,

I rather enjoy your jokes... some are on the cutting edge of strange (which makes me chuckle even more).
 
Darn you guys. Now I had to text my friends at Blue Origin to see if Jeff buddy is using tubes in his rockets.

Of course, a rocket is a lot different than a satellite. But, we shall see if the laugh at me.
 
Tube technology in space: it is true. But I don't think that they use the same kind of tubes used in audio equipment. I have read about nano-sized tubes being used.
 
You use tube amps in your home audio system Nicoff?
If not, there is very good reason to do so. Tubes are used in deeps space probes.
No idea what Joe R is on about disadvantages.
Carry on.
 
Here is an interesting thought. I have a tube phono preamp. 3 times the power supply exploded upon powering up. It was the solid state circuit board that was failing. The tubes have never been an issue.
 
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