Matthew CoxThey may sound better, but they are expensive, delicate, and require maintenance. Are tube amps worth it? To truly address this question, let’s dig into how tube amps work and how they differ from traditional solid-state amplifiers.
The debate surrounding tube amps vs. solid-state or transistor models is possibly one of the hottest topics in the audiophile and pro-audio universe. While the discussion can lead you in two separate directions depending on whether you’re referring to instrument amplification or home playback systems, many of the same arguments are relevant in both spheres of interest. Since we’re looking at amplifiers for playback systems and not for instruments, we can discard several factors, including roadworthiness, feeling and response, and output capabilities.
Disclaimer: In this article, I’ll be sharing my personal feelings towards this discussion, but ultimately, the decision should be made by nobody other than yourself if you’re considering purchasing a new amplifier for your sound system; here I am simply sharing information based on personal experience and that of my colleagues, in an attempt to make your decision process easier.
What is an amplifier for? Where and when would I need one?
An amplifier is an electronic component that increases the amplitude of an electrical signal (audio waveform) to drive a speaker effectively. We use amplifiers in every audio reproduction system, whether it’s the tiny speakers in your cell phone, your home theater system, the speakers on your TV set, or a large PA system. The amplifier type we use for each of the above applications depends on various factors, including power, impedance, and sensitivity, as well as more specific features such as connectivity options, tonal qualities, and other things that might be necessary for your needs.
If you’re setting up a playback system for your home theater, car, or vinyl listening station, for example, you’ll need a standalone power amplifier if your source device or speakers aren’t powered. You can add additional components to such systems, including preamps (mostly for intentional tonal coloration), crossover systems (for determining the frequency split between different speakers), and other signal processors like equalizers or dynamic processors (compressors, limiters, etc.) if you want to refine further the sound you hear and have absolute control over your system, but for the purpose of this discussion, we’ll run with the purpose of using a power amplifier purely for signal amplification purposes.
We’ve also put together the following amp recommendations if you’d like to read more about amplifiers in general:
Preamps and power amps- what’s the difference?
Preamps and power amps can be considered to do the same job in amplifying an electronic signal. However, there is one key difference: a preamplifier cleans up and amplifies a signal to the point where additional signal processors or a power amp can accept it, while a power amp brings the signal to a level appropriate to drive speakers. You’ll often find units that get both jobs done at once, but again, it really depends on what you’re looking to achieve.
Signal processors can be found on preamps more often than on power amps. When looking at the use of tubes/valves, their impact on audio quality and characteristics is greatly affected by the stage at which they are found in the signal path…
Using tubes in preamps will give you the tonal characteristics we often associate with the glass valves. In contrast, using tubes in the power amp stage has a much smaller effect on the sound signature and quality and is mostly seen as a volume-boosting tool.
What are tubes?
Put simply, tubes, also known as valves, are small glass cylinders that essentially aid amplification. However, in doing so, it can impart artifacts that alter how your source signal sounds. These changes aren’t too dramatic- you won’t hear any alterations in pitch or a serious loss or improvement in quality, but rather some subtle nuances that add character to a piece of gear.
How do tubes affect tonal qualities?
Because the electrical signal passes through a glass valve rather than a transistor, certain dynamic and colorful qualities are imparted to the source signal. These vary between models and brands, although some general observations can be made:
The most noticeable difference between tube and solid-state amplifiers is the warmth a valve amp provides. Harsher tones become softened, higher frequencies are tamed and obtain a silk-like texture, and the general sound quality is noticeably better than a solid-state signal. As volume levels increase, tube amps distort gradually and harmonically, resulting in these smoother sound characteristics. As for output capabilities, tube amps can be perceived as louder than solid-state amplifiers because of this. For example, a 15W tube amp may sound just as loud as a 50W solid-state unit. Dynamically, tube amps also provide a far more natural range that often isn’t as heavily compressed as a solid-state amplifier, which is beneficial for all uses.
Because of the above, people generally prefer the sound of tube amps- they’re easier to listen to, represent dynamic range more thoroughly, and overall sound far more well-rounded and fuller than solid-state amps, which can, at times, sound rather sterile.
So, which is better?
Tube amps are undoubtedly better than solid-state systems when looking at audio quality alone. While the improvements in digital signal processing are rapidly becoming closer to emulating tube amplifier characteristics, they just aren’t on the same level just yet.
But we’re not only talking about sound quality here. Regarding practicality, there are a few points worth mentioning that can make this decision even trickier…
Tube amps are delicate, and although the kind of amps we’re discussing here isn’t likely to be moved around much if they take a knock, they can be damaged. If you, for some reason, like to move your playback system around often, this can be a serious deciding factor.
Tubes have a lifespan. While tube amps used for at-home entertainment systems don’t take nearly as much abuse as tube amps used by performing musicians, the glass valves will still reach a day where they simply won’t work any longer. Depending on how you use your system, you should get a few years of use from your tubes, and replacement valves are relatively easy to source. Installing new tubes requires some expertise, but it can be learned.
Tube amps are expensive. Tube amplifiers are generally pricier than solid-state units, not only because of the use of vacuum tubes but because they are often wired and soldered by hand and are made up of higher-grade components. Because of this, special attention to detail is applied, resulting in all-around better builds, working in favor of tube amps in the debate over quality.
I spoke earlier about tube amps having their own special characteristics. Sure, a piece of music will sound different between any amplifier, but you’ll notice that even using the same amp switching out tubes can dramatically affect how things sound through your system. If you like to fiddle around with equalizer settings or listen to various music styles, you might prefer a more neutral-sounding solid-state amplifier that gives you the freedom to play with signal processors and know what to expect. However, once you learn the way your tube amp sounds, it becomes much easier to pick up on subtleties within the music rather than the amplifier itself.
Which amp type is best for me?
While I can say that I feel tube amplifiers sound better overall than solid-state amplifiers, it ultimately depends on what you’re looking to achieve.
If you’re an audiophile, musician, engineer, or critical listener, a tube amplifier will bring recorded material to life and add an extra dimension to your listening experience. If you’re using a tube amplifier with a vinyl record player, the natural analog qualities of the music will be intensified, resulting in a warm, authentic tone.
If you’re looking for something to use for your home theater, I’d say a tube amp can be a bit overkill. Unless you’re running a 7.1 system or larger with incredibly high-end speakers, I don’t see the point in investing in a tube amp. Sure, the dynamic range will be outstanding for films, but it isn’t really necessary.
A tube amplifier will satisfy these needs if you’re a fan of quality products and authentic experiences. However, with great quality comes great responsibility, as these amps need to be looked after, especially higher-end models.
So, are tube amps worth it?
Whether tube amps are worth it or not is going to come down to your needs as the consumer and your budget. If you have deep pockets and money isn’t a concern, we’d recommend getting a tube amp for the warm, clear sound they deliver. But that’s not to say every tube amp will be better than every solid-state amp.
If you’re just getting started with audio, we would typically recommend starting out with a solid-state amplifier before you end up investing a large portion of money into something subject to the diminishing returns that we often see from high-end audio products.
Tube amplifiers are typically considered an ‘end game’ purchase once one has already purchased high-end audio products. In most cases, purchasing better speakers or headphones will get a more marked performance increase. But if you’ve already invested in high-end audio products, the final piece of the puzzle to reach your ultimate setup may well be the move to tube amplifiers.
