Posted by Art Tedeschi on December 17, 2002 at 20:31:55:
In Reply to: Re: Re: Tubes versus transistors posted by Al Sekela on December 17, 2002 at 17:58:04:
I was not offended by your remarks; I find it interesting, though, that you characterize my defense of solid-state as a preference for the same. I enjoy the sound of tube devices in many instances and am willing to admit that dollar-for-dollar a middle-of-the-road tube amp might reap greater sonic rewards than its corresponding solid-state counterpart. The context of this discussion, though, is proper amplification for SoundLab loudspeakers. Anyone on this board will assert that these loudspeakers deserve the best in corresponding electronics, so we're probably not talking about the middle of the road.
I would suggest that you take a listen (maybe you have) to some of the better solid-state amps and preamps currently available; no, they probably do not sound identical to tube amps in your experience, but in no way can they be relegated as inferior to them.
As far as my "misleading" anyone by suggesting that they try a mix of SS and tube products, if you read my post carefully you will see that I was expressing an observation that in my experience these combinations can be sonically gratifying. This suggestion certainly doesn't preclude anyone from trying tube/tube or SS/SS - you overestimate my persuasive powers, sir.
Sorry, but I do not care to advance a quantum theory to prop up my assertions - none of the high-end designers I know (both tube or SS) would care to venture a sub-atomic correlation to a sonic characteristic, so I will pass on your offer.
The entire tube vs transistor debate smacks of "PC vs Mac" and all of its accordant evangelizing. So yes, I prefer (quality) solid-state products on my SoundLabs and respect the fact that others prefer tube components. In no way, though, will I concede that tube products are inherently better than solid-state.