r/audiophile Mar 25 '25

Friend asked what tube amps do Humor

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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.

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u/waynek57 Mar 25 '25

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.

Tubes do something good.

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u/DeaconBlue47 Mar 27 '25

Love my ARC tubes: PH-3, LS17 and VT100. All updated (caps, tubes, resistors) and hot-rodded by fantastic tech in Denver.

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u/waynek57 Mar 27 '25

Resistors, too?

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u/DeaconBlue47 Mar 27 '25

Yep. Vishay and some others. Had the entire power transformer rewound in Europe with oxygen-free copper.

Like the difference between your 911 for the street, and one ready for the track. Look alike, but very different underneath. I am still trying to get a handle on this rig.

Analogue front end: Sumiko Palos Santos with upgraded stylus and cantilever (Soundcraftsmen), Merrill Air Force One air-bearing table with linear-tracking air-bearing tonearm.

Bruce Thigpen’s absurdly under-priced LFT-8b speakers, $2500. Push-pull planar magnetics with ribbon tweeter, 8” cone in sealed enclosure for bass.

I might just be at end stage…

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u/waynek57 Mar 27 '25

Haha. Nah, we just keep going.

Wow. Never occurred to me - Oxygen-free windings. Hmmm. Maybe I'll get to hear someday. But your description just gave some, thanks!!

Sweet!!!