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Tube Amps. Worth it?

#81
I have an SVT-CL and a Markbass LMII. I had been using my Markbass amp way more at gigs because at 6lbs (and 500w), its much easier at 2 am to move. And, alot of places I play can be on the smaller side, so space is a concern sometimes. I think it sounds great, but, the SVT smokes it. I have been using the SVT much more lately and man it sounds so good (and "sounds louder" even though the MB is 500w at 4 ohms and the SVT is 300w). Yes its a 90lb deadlift, but the sound is worth it. I have entertained the idea of getting a smaller tube amp, like a V4B or Orange, but for now I am pretty happy with the SVT.
 
#82
While i can imagine times all tubes would be superior, i’m satisfied with the compromise i get from my tube pre and solid state power amp. I realize it’s more subjective that quatifiable fact when it comes to the actual utility of a hybrid verses a straight solid state, but there is nothing subjective about my current amp weighing less than ten pounds (which includes an SKB flight case) verses the at least seventy pound tube amp i’d need to cover my needs.
I’m lazy, and so far i have not lost any work for lack of a tube amp. I’ve lost work because i won’t get another five string, but my amp has never been a deal maker or breaker. So if you are curious about a tube amp get one and see what you think. I did, and i don’t have it any more so I’ve made my choice, at least for now. :D
 
#90
Mr. Foxen said:
Valve pre and SS power is the sort of compromise that is the bad parts of both. Using watts instead of cabs for volume is the thing that causes power issues.
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I'm not sure I understand your point..I love my all tube set up but sometimes I pair my Reiner pre with 750-1200 watts of solid state power for great tone AND a sledgehammer of punch and headroom.
What's the downside?
 
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#92
Everybody has different goals. Listen to both tube and SS amps you are interested in, and decide for yourself which will work. Sitting in a mix is far different than solo work, and nuances in tone can easily be buried, or overshadowed by guitar and drum frequencies.

When I started listening for tones I like, what I noticed was there's several amps and brands that could get the sound I wanted, but not all of them could meet other feature requirements.
 
#96
eyeballkid said:
I'm not sure I understand your point..I love my all tube set up but sometimes I pair my Reiner pre with 750-1200 watts of solid state power for great tone AND a sledgehammer of punch and headroom.
What's the downside?
Click to expand...

The good stuff about valves is the power section sound. The bad stuff is limited preamp options, as it gets very complicated to do much.
 
#97
That's kind of just opinion. SOMETIMES the good stuff is the sound of a good tube power section and SOMETIMES the good stuff is the sound of the beautiful richness of my Reiner with a ton of authority behind it and bottomless heft.
 
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#99
eyeballkid said:
That's kind of just opinion. SOMETIMES the good stuff is the sound of a good tube power section and SOMETIMES the good stuff is the sound of the beautiful richness of my Reiner with a ton of authority behind it and bottomless heft.
Click to expand...


the reiner is an exception more than a rule. so many tube preamps are poorly made, starved voltage gimmicks.
 

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