Valve amplifiers

[sarnies]

I'm a complete novice when it comes to hi-fi equipment and have been reading just lately about valve amplifiers.

Never having listened to music played through one of these I wonder why they are considered superior to the usual off-the-shelf stuff.

Also, does anyone have experience with Icon or WD valve amps which seem to be more affordable options?

[PRYML]

Then that's the first thing you really must do i.e. listen to music through valve amplification or even digital sources with valves involved...

Even though not all valve equipment sounds the same, I feel that there is one quality that virtually all valve amps possess i.e. a "natural tactile presence" to the sound...

I know that that's not much to go by, which is why you'd do yourself a favour by actually listening to a well-setup valve-based system

[John]

The WD amps are really good not heard the Icon amps so not able to comment

[The Grand Wazoo]

Hi Chris.
I'm sure that there will be plenty of direct replies to this but I looked out some similar questions that have been posed here before. You might find it interesting to read these too.

In no particular order:
So, tell me about those valve amps..
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=4161

Tell me about valve equipment
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2787

Valve sound versus solid state...
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1877

...........enjoy!

[Spectral Morn]

Then that's the first thing you really must do i.e. listen to music through valve amplification or even digital sources with valves involved...

Even though not all valve equipment sounds the same, I feel that there is one quality that virtually all valve amps possess i.e. a "natural tactile presence" to the sound...

I know that that's not much to go by, which is why you'd do yourself a favour by actually listening to a well-setup valve-based system

I agree totally with that...even poor valve amplifiers manage to do this. However get a good one and one suitable for your speakers and you get the rest as well. I have yet(note I say yet. It may happen someday, just for me not yet) to hear a solid state design that manages to reproduce music in such away as to sound natural and real.


Regards D S D L

[quadsugdenman]

I will gladly vouch for Icon Audio valve equipment although I have no experience of the WD kit but hear it is also excellent. The IA equipment does have that 'tactile' feel and a wonderful smoothness in spades. They have some exciting new developments in the pipeline.
Speak to David Shaw or Adrian at Icon and go and listen, it is the only way you will find out for yourself what is talked about on this and other forums. I would also not rule out any of Glen Crofts hybrid designs, again go and listen. You will find the experience of finding out for yourself most enjoyable and learn a lot in the process.

Garry

[hifi_dave]

There are good and bad and some dire valve amps, they are not a panacea for all Hi-Fi ills. There are also some SS amps which sound great but they are also few and far between.

The important thing is for you to listen to a selection using your chosen front-end and speakers.

[magiccarpetride]

I'm a complete novice when it comes to hi-fi equipment and have been reading just lately about valve amplifiers.

Never having listened to music played through one of these I wonder why they are considered superior to the usual off-the-shelf stuff.

Also, does anyone have experience with Icon or WD valve amps which seem to be more affordable options?

After carefully auditioning valve amplification (or, vacuum tubes, as we call them here in the New World, courtesy of vikings/Cristopher Columbo), I can report several impressive things about them:

1. Resolution: much better than even high end SS amps. The level of detail you hear through the valve amp is beyond the reach of all but the most sophisticated SS amps.

2. Sound texture: stunningly present, something I've never heard out of any non-valve amplifiers.

3. Control: even during the messiest, busiest passages, while all the horns are blaring and a hundred person choir is soaring, tube amps maintain full composure. SS amps tend to go into a bit of 'hyperventilation' during tricky passages. What I've experienced with SS amps during high fever pitch dynamic passages is a lot of gesticulation, hand waving, acrobatics and attempts to jump through the hoops. Meanwhile, valve amps remain calm, composed, and just keep working. It's amazing what a difference this can make to your listening pleasure.

4. Bass: melted chocolate warm and sweet. This may or may not be to everyone's liking. I sometimes find it a bit too much.

[sarnies]

Many thanks to all, what a wonderful selection of commments, there's enough here to keep me entertained for weeks!

Will definitely find myself somewhere to have a good listen although I tiptoe into the mysterious world of valves with some trepidation.

Extra thanks to Ian for your patience with a newbie, I shall certainly take your advice.

[PRYML]

You're welcome!

It's always a pleasure to induct a valve "initiate" into the fold Please do come back and share with us your adventures in exploring the world of valve amplification

Regards,

Malek