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Tubes and solid-state amp experiences (alien.top)

submitted 11 months ago by Ok_Address_5669@alien.top to c/headphones@hi-fi.community

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What is your experience when deciding between the two technologies? Or do you own amps of both types and use them for different things? Are they really different?

For me they very sound different, and since the first time I heard a tube headphone amp I was enchanted by its rawness. I had been driving my Abyss AB1266 Phi TC with a solid state amp (off-brand with Chinese components) and it sounded great but I had read these headphones really need a good amp so I went to a store to see what can drive them better, and tried a tube amp from Germany. 10 seconds in I was able to tell this is what I needed. Might be a matter of taste? Yes, but to each his own, I have read people who hate the Abyss and also others like me who love them.

I'd like to know your opinions too.

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[–] Gizm0Guru@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (3 children)

I have both, use them for different things and can definitely hear the difference.

Solid state main: Ferrum ERCO DAC/Amp. Solid state secondary/portable: Chord Mojo 2. Tube: Feliks Audio Elise MKII OTL

I use the tube to bring warmth or lushness to a listen when it’s right for the genre (for me). Sometimes it’s to change up the listen, and sometimes I wouldn’t use the headphone without it a tube or EQ.

For example - the Focal Utopia or Meze 109 Pro with EDM or hip-hop. I can use these headphones SS or tube and enjoy, but sometimes I like more prominent warmth.

Second example would be Sennheiser 660S2 and HD800S. The only way I will use these is with a tube or by adding a bass shelf with EQ. In these cases the tube is filling an actual void (for me) by both adding warmth / bass and taking a bit of bite off the highs.

I have not had great luck with planers and my tube, will be testing the Meze Empyrean on it soon.

[–] Ok_Address_5669@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

I think your way of approaching a listening session is similar to mine. I had the Elites before changing to the AB 1266 Phi TC and would really recommend them so good luck with the Empyreans, also there is the 2nd version coming soon, Empyrean II seems to be the name. For acoustic guitars or voices or very detailed drum patterns planar magnetics on tube (I’m using an AudioValve amp) always leaves me in awe!

[–] Gizm0Guru@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Thanks! It was my typo. My Empy II’s arrive Monday. I’m giddy lol.

I never had the first ones because they seemed to be a little too extreme, but after trying the 109 Pros and enjoying them so much, plus reading about the refinements in the sequel, I’m taking the dive.

[–] Ok_Address_5669@alien.top 1 points 11 months ago

Sounds amazing!! I would be giddy too! The sound and comfort on those Meze’s are amazing, had mine for over a year!