"Max Holubitsky" wrote in
. ca:

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.



Everything from speakers built using Fostex drivers to Polk monitor
series bookshelf's, most of which can be purchased/built for under $100.
Many of the coaxials from the golden years also perform quite well with
SET's.

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.





If you can afford them, I suggest that you start with the higher powered
SET's.

Are you familiar with OTL's and electrostatics?