Tube or Solid-state amp?

[Ginnagan]

Hey guys, I've been doing some research online on tube and solid-state amps, but Im not sure what to buy and usually dont get all the info. For me, its so far, Ampeg for tube amps, and Fender(solid-state amps). Could any of you tell me the difference and the pros and cons of both of them. I live in the middle of nowhere so I barley get a chance to go into the city much to check them out.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MCBTunes]

Hey guys, I've been doing some research online on tube and solid-state amps, but Im not sure what to buy and usually dont get all the info. For me, its so far, Ampeg for tube amps, and Fender(solid-state amps). Could any of you tell me the difference and the pros and cons of both of them. I live in the middle of nowhere so I barley get a chance to go into the city much to check them out.

Thanks in advance!

Really man, this kind of thing is all preference. Personally I like a tube pre and solid state power section... like my Eden WT400. Lot's of people really like ampeg. I dont hear much about fender heads. Tubes generally give a bit of a warmer tone. Think of the thump from the old days. Personally I think a ray with an ampeg fridge setup sounds really nice.

 

[Max]

Personally, I've only played through solid-state amps, but I've heard great things about tubes. My lead guitarist has a tube amp of some sort that sounds simply incredible. It has a huge, warm, deep, rich sound.

I've been thinking about trying a tube for some time now, but I'm waiting for the local GC to get a Markbass tube in for me to try out first.

Then again, I've hear that re-tubing an amp could be costly, so I don't know. Whatever you do, don't buy without trying it first, if at all possible.

 

[Aussie Mark]

Go for a tube pre with a solid state power amp. Just as warm as an all tube rig, and less than half the weight and price.

 

[strummer]

SS amps are light in comparison, and nowadays there are SS amps that can be made to sound real tubey (sort of). Tube pre and SS power amp is often a great way to go.

 

[tombboy]

Personally I think a ray with an ampeg fridge setup sounds really nice.

Like this?

 

[58super]

Like this?

My back hurts just looking at that picture.

 

[sheepdog]

I'm surprised nobody has thought of this, but what about a tube preamp and solid state amp?




Sort of a best of both worlds. That is what I use at home, my bass rig, and in my car. Great combination.

 

[roburado]

I'm surprised nobody has thought of this, but what about a tube preamp and solid state amp?

What do you mean? 3 posters suggested that very thing. Or do you mean separate units for preamp and power amp?

 

[Darth Tater]

I like SS for bass, tubes for guitar. Not a big fan of distortion when I'm playing bass

Gallien Krueger is killer SS bass stuff.

 

[sheepdog]

What do you mean? 3 posters suggested that very thing. Or do you mean separate units for preamp and power amp?

note the:



I know, that was why I worded it that way and put the smiley in there. I was just agreeing with the other people who posted the same response, just in my own tongue in cheek way. don't worry...you'll get used to me eventually.




back on a more serious note: even though, the separates were not my original intent, that is not a bad suggestion. Get a good tube preamp combined with a good power amp. Based on my home audio experience, one company's good tube preamp might sound better with another company's solid state amp vs. all from the same manufacturer. I am too poor to test this theory, so I will stick to my hybrid Peavey TMax.

 

[ghunter]

I always said that I'd buy either an Ampeg SVT or Mesa/Boogie Bass 400+ rig when I can justify a roadie. They sound incredible, but are completely impractical for 99% of gigging bassists.

+1 for tube pre + solid state power for bass.

I'm all-tube on the guitar side, where it's much easier, lighter, and cheaper to get that tone.

 

[mrpackerguy]

Go for a tube pre with a solid state power amp. Just as warm as an all tube rig, and less than half the weight and price.

+1

Took me several permutations to find a good tube pre (Kern) and a good matching SS power amp (CA-9). My back hates me but me ears love me.

 

[mrpackerguy]

Like this?

Where's the mack truck to haul that rig around?

 

[roburado]

note the:

Ah...gotcha. Sorry. Misunderstood.

 

[Mobay45]

You could always get an amp that lets you choose between a solid state pre and a tupe pre.

Like this:

I have to get a pic of this amp all lit up. It's a sight to see. I'll do it at the gig this Saturday night.

 

[lovechick]

It depends upon what you're hoping to hear. I may be alone here, but I have a terrible time with the hybrids. They just sound way too clean and brittle to me. My buddy plays a Gallien-Krueger hybrid through an Ampeg 6x10 and loves it. I can't deal with it. That being said, I gave up on lugging my SVT around about two years ago. It's a bit embarrassing, but I use an all solid state EMC guitar amp from the late 60's through a single 15. Horrible guitar amp, but nice for the bass. It gets the occasional snicker but it works, at least with the ol' Stingray. While it it's obviously not as stout as my SVT rig, it's much warmer (well, mushier) than any hybrid set-up I've used and pumps out more than enough low for the rest of the band.

 

[tkarter]

It depends upon what you're hoping to hear. I may be alone here, but I have a terrible time with the hybrids. They just sound way too clean and brittle to me. My buddy plays a Gallien-Krueger hybrid through an Ampeg 6x10 and loves it. I can't deal with it. That being said, I gave up on lugging my SVT around about two years ago. It's a bit embarrassing, but I use an all solid state EMC guitar amp from the late 60's through a single 15. Horrible guitar amp, but nice for the bass. It gets the occasional snicker but it works, at least with the ol' Stingray. While it it's obviously not as stout as my SVT rig, it's much warmer (well, mushier) than any hybrid set-up I've used and pumps out more than enough low for the rest of the band.

Maybe you aren't alone. I play a Peavey firebass 700. It and the Bongo just speak to me.

You don't know try until you do is the only advice I may offer. Go for the sound in your head.

tk

 

[AnthonyD]

Another vote for tube pre-amp and SS amp...

My amp provides both tube and SS pre-amp - either or a blend of them both...

I thought I was a solid-state fan but find myself drawn more to the warm, full tone of the tube pre-amp...

 

[Trix]

Or, you can go this route and cover all your bases (or basses).