Tube Versus SolidState

[DMK]

It would seem all the advertising in the world and desiner looks can't match a listening session.

Likewise, all the measurements in the world can't match a listening session... unless music is less important to someone than blindly following the numbers.

[Arch]

I haven't been playing around with gears for that long, but I have already noticed that tube amps are rising in popularity once again (according to a couple of dealers).

One contributing factor is the invasion of "cheap" tube amps from Asia - mostly from China. 30wpc units selling for around $1000 - $2000 cdn, their looks ranges from decent to gorgous, and sounds really, really good.

My main audio pimp sells one of these "cheapie" unit that is cloes to $1200, and on average he moves 2 every week....

Reliability aside (I doubt these companies carry warranties - but a good reliable shop will usually offset that), I wonder if any of you folks have thoughts / experiences with these bargins.

[RGA]

Antique Sound Labs is a Chinese maker that has been around since aroun 1990.

Their amplifiers come with 5 year warranties. Name me a receiver maker that has a 5 year warranty? Why can't SONY offer a five year warranty?

Ahh that's right - their solid state stuff is completely indferior in every way...build quality and certainly sound quality.

It would seem most people who actually listen to the gear would far rather put up with minor inconveniences if they get better sound and value.

My dealer has begun once again carrying tubes and he was the one who hated tubes in the early to late 1980s...they have improved dramatically are reasonably priced and they get carried.