Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

I don't think many people have had a chance to try them. I remember Jet City had a go at 'em a few years back. I wanted to try them, but never saw them for sale.

I'll try them if I get a chance, but I'm not getting my hopes up on how they sound.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

They'll never be quite the same. The physics dictate that there will electrical differences that translate to the sound differences we like. They may be good, they may be the same for some people, but as a crotchety old guitar player, they won't replace my glass bottles

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Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

For decades they've been talking about something called a 'transistor' that will replace tubes in our tvs, radios, calculators and all our electronics items, making them much smaller and lighter and more reliable.

But believe me, it will never happen. Nothing sounds as good as a mobile phone with a fresh set of Mullard tubes.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

Why not just buy a solid state amp? I don't understand this concept too well. The variations they are trying to eliminate are pretty much what we all like about tubes.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

Scott_F said:
Why not just buy a solid state amp? I don't understand this concept too well. The variations they are trying to eliminate are pretty much what we all like about tubes.
Click to expand...

I agree with this 100%. But, curiosity always gets the better of me. I just have to find out for myself, I guess.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

Whether they work or not is irrelevant, as there can't possibly be much of a market for them.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

For two seconds, I was willing to play devils advocate and think to my self "okay...they sound the same and react the same so now you don't have to ever change preamp tubes again." And then you read "...for the life of the tube..."

So they die after a while. :sad:

No point unless you are trying to go for some kinda non tube dimebag in a tube amp thing which makes no sense.


Someone will buy them.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

You have to admit. It would be nice to keep a couple of those with you as backups. If you pop a tube during a gig, just throw one of those in. It would get you by. You would never have to buy backup tubes again. That is if they have the lifespan that I would expect them to have.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

You could do the same with tubes, preamp tubes are small and light, and you can buy power tubes that are matched close enough to drop right in. I doubt there is much cost savings to be had, here.

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Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

The way I look at it is this:

These are just another "flavor" of preamp tube. Just as Tung-Sol, Mullard, EH, etc. all have their own sonic characteristics, these will have theirs, and will work better for certain amps/players/styles.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

trevorus said:
You could do the same with tubes, preamp tubes are small and light, and you can buy power tubes that are matched close enough to drop right in. I doubt there is much cost savings to be had, here.

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Click to expand...

What would they cost? If they are more than $20-$25 a piece, I'm out.
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

that would be like putting keira knightly's boobs on scarlett johansson......
 
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Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

GoldenVulture said:
Direct from the manufacturer.
- http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMT-ELECTRONICS-12AX7-WS-Warm-Stone-SOLID-STATE-12AX7-TUBE-/171101287572 -
Click to expand...

lolololol

I like to imagine the investors' meeting went like this:

Entrepreneur: So tell me how your product will make money.
Pitchman: Well, it replaces traditional glass tubes in audiophile equipement.
Entrepreneur: Very well. So it's cheaper?
Pitchman: Well, no.
Entrepreneur: It lasts longer?
Pitchman: Not, necessarily.
Entrepreneur: Sounds better?
Pitchman: Not likely.
Entrepreneur: So, it's more expensive, nearly the same durability, and doesn't even sound better. Does it cure leprosy?
Pitchman: No.
Entrepreneur: Sold!
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

Phantasmagoria said:
...& $42.99 for int'nl shipping. Wow..I'll stick to JJ's, Sovtek LPS's & Shuguangs.. :lmao:
Click to expand...

The point is, I assume, is that the SS plug-ins will "never" die on you.
That is there selling point.
There product will "sound like a tube"...but have a service life that is infinitely longer.
best
 
Re: Solid state replacements for tubes.. does this really work?

Lucy Diamond said:
For two seconds, I was willing to play devils advocate and think to my self "okay...they sound the same and react the same so now you don't have to ever change preamp tubes again." And then you read "...for the life of the tube..."

So they die after a while. :sad:

No point unless you are trying to go for some kinda non tube dimebag in a tube amp thing which makes no sense.


Someone will buy them.
Click to expand...

I rarely have to replace preamp tubes. Maybe I don't play my amps enough but is can't remember the last time I had a pre fail.


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