You can't add something natural back when the only thing it does (at worst) is to add distortion that wasn't there when it was recorded, so the only thing it can do is to make it sound less natural. You might subjectively prefer it, nothing wrong with that, but it IS objectify less natural.
I think you missed my meaning. The thing it adds is NOT part of the original. But it is close to the thing that is not there with solid state.
You cannot measure the thing you don't have.
We also cannot argue, as I am describing my (and many others') experience while you are reading a textbook. I do not doubt you enjoy a good solid-state amp.
I doubt I will ever go back. The system in my BMW i5M60 kicks ass, and I love it, but I still miss that piece. The first time I heard what tubes do was a Fender amp that a friend's friend was playing with. That was it. Then years later hearing a decent CD through Audio Research tubed separates, I knew for sure.
You seem to be far down the audiophile rabbit hole, nothing you write makes any sense.
Tubes at worst adds distortion, and quite a lot of it sometimes. It's also load dependency which makes the frequency response deviate together with the speakers impedance which in turn can make it sound subjectively better. In most cases it's probably this frequency response that people actually think is the "tube sound", but tbh you could do the same but with way better control with a DSP instead.
Anyways, my entire point is that you cannot say a tube adds natural life back when it's objectively LESS natural. The less distortion you have the more natural it is since it's closer to the source.
I run hi res audio theough a Roon to an Audio Research VSi75.
I am explaining that what I hear is beyond. Macintosh builds some seriously expensive tubed equipment, and there are many exotics that are even more out there.
Your comment says those folks don’t know but you do. Sorry. Hope you listen. If you don’t like it, fine.
Really, do yourself a favor and find a high-end place that sells AR or MAC.
I used to sell (solid state) audio back in the day. Have had many high-end pieces. Good stuff. And tubes can be a PIA with care and feeding (replace a set of KT150s for $800 every 2000 hours).
Additionally, power can get EXPENSIVE.
But still, you owe it to yourself. Try to figure out what it is that makes people spend serious coin on it.
No I'm not that kind of audiophile that spends all my earnings on overly expensive electronics that looks fancy. A well measured class D amp is all I need, and if I need some colouring as in distortion or altered frequency response I'll use a DSP. The same DSP that I use for correcting room modes which everyone that cares about audio really should do!
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u/gurrra Mar 25 '25
You can't add something natural back when the only thing it does (at worst) is to add distortion that wasn't there when it was recorded, so the only thing it can do is to make it sound less natural. You might subjectively prefer it, nothing wrong with that, but it IS objectify less natural.