3 interesting articles from AES, Journal of Elect Engineers, Eric Barbour

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I suppose the biggest problem with gear like amplifier types, it is hard to test since what happens theoretically isnt what happens in the real world. The articles posted ran tests in hypothetical situations. I know the tube vs SS debate is very heated everywhere in the audio world.

Audionote says transistor amps are not nearly superior to any form of valve, while class A amp companies claim thier goods provide less distortion, etc than tube could ever accomplish.

Then, of course, we have people who say that they cant stand the artificial SS sound and others who claim that tube users are just part of the hype for retro.

Hey! this sounds a lot like the Mac vs PC debate! I used to use PC, but now I'm a Mac user. I came to the conclusion that PC is not better than Mac or vice versa. It is just merely different. For those PC people ouit there who bash Mac, please try them out yourself before you do so. The most popular comment of why Mac is worse is usually "They are weird." Which is a meaningless explanation.

Tube and SS is the same. HiFi is the final reproduction of music in a way that resembles a live preformance. What's most important is our cognitive functions when listening. If you indeed feel that triode amps are a waste of time, then that will definately have an effect on the actual sound perceived, no matter you compare back to back or not. That's why it's not very good for first time audio buyers to log on forums like this one to get opinions. That only leads people to have a predisposed opinion based on other's opinions. (I'm guilty of the same thing)

One more thing. A 500 bux amp will sound like the best thing in the world if you think it does. Some people are not so fortunate to afford high end gear (like me). I think people have to get off how much they can improve on their gear and start to be positive about things. Lets just face it everyone. Nothing is ever the best. There is and will always be something better. If you bought a 500 bux amp and it excites you, then I think you may be happier than the guy who just spent 20k on some gear that he thinks could be better. Time to spend less time thinking about upgrading and time to spend some time thing about how to enjoy the gear. Remember, we all buy this stuff to enjoy. I cant afford the best in the world, but I'm sure I will enjoy it and that's what is really important.

[RGA]

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Look all companies claim lots of things. SS is easier and cheaper to make - more profit margin. Naturally companies are going to hire people willing to spout whatever the company wants them to spout in order to help SELL something no matter how crappy to convince you it's better. Bose has been artful at the process and so have solid state manufacturers. Since the 25 Watt Sugden A21a will drive all but the most insanely difficult speakers why do you see Sony receivers with a tag line of 1040 watts? Sales. The sound is so crappy they have to sell numbers, graphs, stats, blinking lights, 50 different versions of a surround mode none of which sound good with 2 channel music.

You go out and listen to some of the best representations of both philosophies. Generally speaking, you will find most people who move from "High End" Solid Sstate to "HIGH END" tube amplifiers never ever go back and it's not all because tubes look cool. A lot of them don't even show the tubes - like most Audio Note amplifiers.

Chances are you'll buy into whatever system sounds best to you. I'm willing to give Audio note the benefit of the doubt on their designs because their speaker IMO outclasses every other speaker by all the heavily advertised marketing first companies. Listening to their complete system was the most musically satisfying experiences I have had listening to home audio. And the Audio Note set-up at 40k was less than 1/3 the price of some set-ups I have heard. On a componants individual basis they may not be up to par with similar componants in different set-ups...but then they're not really meant for different set-ups. The are meant as mirror image componants for their other componants. You don't have one 18 inch wheel with three 14 inch wheels when you drive.

The SET amp may sound utterly atrocious for all I know with different gear...but the SET amp I heard with their system had none of what I would have expected from a SET amp. If that's a SET amp then people who say there is no bass no highs and loud hums and hisses and clicks and distortion are uninformed about what a good SET amp is all about. It's like saying Turntables suck because you had a $9.00 fisher price record player therefore ALL turntables are just as bad or the initial Van Morisson releases on CD sounded horrible so ALL cds and ALL cd players sound horrible.

Bottom line is I went and heard the supposedly terrible SETs...and if I was in the market The SET amp I heard with my particular speakers would be at the top of the list looking for someone to take the champ down...and I seriously doubt I would find one...at least not on a sonic level for sane money. If I owned Magnepans my opinion could be totally different where the SET would not make my top 200. http://www.audionote.co.uk/anp2.htm

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RGA, that lemme ask you a question if I may.
I found some online thing that is an AN distributor for parts and stuff.
They are about to introduce some of the AN kits as well as other stuff to expand their business.
As you have read from other threads, I'm considering tube audio. I have heard that the AN sensitivity and comparitively flat impedence is great for tube amps, especially the lower powered SETs. How is the AN K you have serving you? If I buy I probably wont get the silver drivers and stuff since I probably dont wanna put out the cash.

Do you think it's safe that I build it myself?

[RGA]

Audio Note stopped selling Kits...their importer in the US however has re-introduced selling Kits. It makes sense because many High end stores are also repair depos...they can order and build the kits themselves which reduces a lot of Audio Note's costs. Since the speakers and amps etc are upgradeable especially tube products then it makes sense to sell them as kits.

I posted a review of my speakers at audioasylum http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?...48241&review=1

One reason you note as to why SET sounded so good is exactly because of the impedence. The K like the other don't dip under 5ohms over the entire audible band. The speaker offers a consistant tonal purity from top to bottom I have not heard from any other standmount other than Audio Note's bigger standmounts
They have much cheaper loudspeakers that are newer and are getting good reviews...doing a google search may help you on AZ TWO etc.
http://www.triodeandco.com/Prod_Loudspeakers.html


If you know what you're doing it is safe to build it yourself I should think...you should still listen before you buy...but if you like what you hear why not? Especially if it saves you money.

I bought last years model of the K spe which has grill cloths but not that neat veneer...but I had them nearly half off because the dealer in BC bought the entire world stock of last year's model at a discounted price. If you like what you hear you may want to give www.soundhounds.com an e-mail and ask if they have any left. $1500.00Cdn ~1100.00US. They had a deal on the E and J too I believe. But I bought them in November so they may be out of them...but you never know.

This page most reviews and descriptions of all their stuff. Stuff I will likely never afford...one disadvantage of listening to it is knowing what you're going to miss out on
http://www.swfm.com/audiofederation/...hip/audionote/

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Thanks for the help RGA.
I wish i could try out those AN at soundhounds...but they are so far away as i have complained before...and they never return my emails! Its sorta annoying!

Your review is right on the money. I have been looking for speakers that dont have that "SSSSSS" on the tweeter! It annoys the hell outta me! especially when I play ANYTHING by DMB since the drummer likes goin heavy on the high hat.

[RGA]

When did you e-mail them?

My sales guy was Paul and he was pretty fast with responding to me.

They have certain days off..maybe put Audio note in the subject line or something. Or call.

It's still hard because it's a pain for you to get there.

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emailed them about a month and a half ago once
then again 2 weeks ago.
I have emailed them again...hopefully they get it this time and reply back.
They sell pretty interesting stuff...but i cant get a hold of them!