Everything is a gamble!


Fair enough, but the odds are not always the same - and let's face it, you
have to be pretty into audio to even consider a tube amp. A good SS amp will
last for decades without any service at all - this has not been my
experience with tube equipment, and anything vintage will almost certainly
need attention of some sort.


My reference to cheap speakers are suitable speakers that can be
purchased "cheaply" in the used market, and new as well.


Which speakers do you have in mind exactly? Maybe my definition of
expensive is the same as your definition of cheap?


My definition of cheap is exactly that.

Make, model? Most cheap speakers I've heard, especially sensitive ones,
sound terrible.


I have both heard and owned some of the very best SS amps out there.

It's been 10 years since I used a SS amp for more than a few days in my
main system, so I am basing my opinion on other people's systems I've heard.


In my opinion the biggest sleepers out there, if you want a good deal,
are the 1970s Yamaha CR series receivers. I honestly was blown away by
the sound quality a CR-800 produced, when I hooked it up to my Tannoy
Saturn S6's. It was smooth, deep bass, plenty of power. I was
questioning why I had all this tube equipment heating up my room,
until I hooked it back up, and noticed a subtle improvement.


I bought a CR2020 in 1979-80,and used it for 3 years before someone
stole it. While I agree that these receivers are good performers, they
are no match for SET's, nor are the Accuphase amps that I have owned.

Nice - that must have been an awesome receiver. I can't see a casual
listener ever wanting more than one of those amps will deliver.

I am going to have to try the SET thing before I totally discount it,
because my experience with tubes is completely based on PP amps. I really
want to see what all the fuss is about - it can't be *all* hype, but I
listen to a lot of loud music, and I don't know if under 10 watts would do
it for me.