Tube amp?

[Stretch90]

I'm looking to get a new home theater system and I'm a complete noob. Is there any way to get a tube driven system? I've heard McIntosh makes them but I have no idea how good they are or how they work.

I'm assuming I'd have to get a normal receiver from maybe Yamaha and then get a tube driven amp to work with it? I'm really not sure, any help would be appreciated!

 

[slipperybidness]

The honest answer is that you should just go solid state for Home Theater.

Most tubes are mono or stereo only. That means you need multiple amps to run 5 channels.

Then, tubes put out a LOT of heat. That many channels on tubes will heat your HT up! And, tubes wear out and need maintenance.

And, the power output from tubes means you will almost certainly be looking for very efficient HT speakers.

If you were talking a 2 channel music rig, tubes might make sense. If we're talking HT, do yourself a favor and steer away from tube amps.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Most audiophiles stick to solid state and class-D amps.

Tube amps are the minority. Most audiophiles are against using tube amps.

So most audiophiles will not recommend using tube amps.

 

[Stretch90]

Most audiophiles stick to solid state and class-D amps.

Tube amps are the minority. Most audiophiles are against using tube amps.

So most audiophiles will not recommend using tube amps.

Well, I'm concerned about the sound quality and if it's a realistic possibility. I play guitar so I have experience with tube amps in a way, but not like this.

I'm not sure how the set up would look if I tried to use it with a HT but maybe I'll keep this idea for a 2 channel sound system. Could I use a pre-amp to plug into my computer speakers? I just love the sound of tube and want to use it in some way.

 

[slipperybidness]

SS will always have the best sound quality. By that, I mean that SS will be more accurate and more faithful to the original material.

Tubes will roll off the high and low frequencies, and tubes will introduce distortion into the signal chain. So, if you "like tubes", then you "like distortion and rolled off frequencies".

For a guitar, many people do prefer tubes. For a HT or hi-fi setup, SS is the preferred amplification for many reasons.

Here's my 2 cents if you want to learn for yourself:
Buy an AVR with pre-amp outs, these typically start around the $1000 range (perhaps less if you go used, older model, or find a good deal). Hook up the HT speakers to the AVR with its internal amps. When you have the $ for a tube amp, use the pre-amp outs of the AVR to drive the front L/R only with the tube amp. If you like what you hear, then perhaps consider going to tubes for all the channels.

To answer your question, yes an all-tube HT can be done. But, tube HT isn't very practical and it will easily be bested by SS amps at a fraction of the price.

 

[KEW]

A major aspect of tube amps is harmonic distortion. The harmonic distortions added are the ones that sound good (primarily third if I recollect). This is great for a single guitar because it adds fullness that enriches the sound. Nowadays many guitar amps have lots of sound settings to mimic this effect using SS electronics.
Consider what music you listen to. If it is sparse in instrumentation/voices (like James Taylor), the fullness from the tube amp may well enhance the sound.
If it is complex and full (like The Cure), I think you will find it muddies the sound/makes it seem overblown.

I had a similar experience listening to speakers with my brother. We had a pair of Advent Legacy's and a pair of Behringer Truth 2031P's. We discovered that the best speaker (for bass) was determined more by the music than the speaker. Listening to Eagles - Hotel California, the Advents had a sweet full sound that made the Behringers sound somewhat empty in comparison. However, when we put on Steely Dan the Behringer had an added tightness that complimented Steely Dan's highly percussive rhythm section.
The Advents larger cabinets are more prone to resonance. That is simple physics.
My brother got both speakers (neither was expensive - they were both used) and switches back and forth depending on the music he is listening to!
Also, please understand that Eagles and Steely Dan both sound great on either speaker. Good music is good music.

Sorry about the digression, but I hope that gives you a better perspective on how to look at your decision.

I would recommend you stay away from tubes for HT as indicated by the previous posts.
For music, do what Slippery suggests, start with the SS HT, then introduce tubes for stereo.
You might want to consider a separate, small bedroom system to explore tubes, but that may depend on whether you view your bedroom as a place of close warm intimacy or a full-on epic slam-palace!

Have fun with it and enjoy the music!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

If you want "warm" tube sound that rolls off the treble, also try an AVR with Audyssey XT32 because the Audyssey curve will also roll off the highs after 4kHz.

 

[cpp]

Most audiophiles stick to solid state and class-D amps.

Tube amps are the minority. Most audiophiles are against using tube amps.

So most audiophiles will not recommend using tube amps.

And you are getting this information from where ? , facts just the facts, show me the facts .

 

[markw]

Well, I'm concerned about the sound quality and if it's a realistic possibility. I play guitar so I have experience with tube amps in a way, but not like this.

Guitar amps are cherished for adding their distortion, which adds to the amplified guitar's unique sound, not their pure sound. IOW, tube amps are fine for producing music but not necessarily so for reproducing music, where nothing should be added to the sound.

But, hey, it's your little red wagon.

 

[ski2xblack]

If you haven't been convinced otherwise at this point, I'll throw in that new commercial tube gear is a complete rip off. If you must go there, it's best to select used gear of known pedigree (for resale purposes, some tube gear holds it's value), DIY (fun and educational), or solicit a domestic privateer rather than an importer/marketer. I'll suggest this site . The proprietor is an old Klipsch fart and accomplished solder slinger who rehabs classic tube gear (generally quite inexpensive) and makes some very nice amps of his own (these are expensive, but gorgeous and very well made). He knows your speakers and what tube offerings result in copacetic pairings.