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What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps? [message #99486]

Fri, 05 June 2026 13:20

Kurt
Messages: 23
Registered: December 2025

Chancellor

I would like to know various challenges that some of us have had while using different tube amps. Currently, I make use of Evo 400, Mclntosh MA352 hybrid, and the Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III.

I am the type that likes having different options when it comes to vacuum tube amps, but I've experienced different challenges while using these amps. For example, I always feel an increase in heat in the room when I switch from Rogue to Evo 400. That meant that I am always careful of the one to use depending on weather conditions.

So, I would like to know if anyone here run multiple tube amps and what issues you've encountered while using them?

Is there a good tip on how to manage heat, and how do you get along with managing running multiple amps?

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Re: What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps? [message #99487 is a reply to message #99486]

Fri, 05 June 2026 14:23

Rusty
Messages: 1423
Registered: May 2018
Location: Kansas City Missouri

Illuminati (3rd Degree)

I've only used one tube amp. But they're monoblocks. And they're OTL's, so the issue with heat in inherent with that topology. Though mitigated a good deal with the design I've used for about 20 years. But I simply don't use them in the summer. Why fight the electric bill with the AC. So I switch to my venerable old Hafler 220 I've used for 40 years. I do keep the tube amps on top of the gear cabinet. Unobstructed from anything

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Re: What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps? [message #99505 is a reply to message #99486]

Wed, 10 June 2026 13:38

Hank
Messages: 36
Registered: December 2025

Baron

I truly understand how you feel with the heat that comes with tube amps. In fact, that was the main reason that I switched from using them years ago to focus on solid-state amps.

I was never comfortable in my room because of the heat till I got a small fan that was always on when I was using the tubes. So, maybe I suggest you get a fan that you can keep in the room that can make the room cooler. I don't bother about those issues anymore because I run solid-state amps, and they give less drama, unlike tubes.

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Re: What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps? [message #99510 is a reply to message #99505]

Mon, 15 June 2026 14:48

Rusty
Messages: 1423
Registered: May 2018
Location: Kansas City Missouri

Illuminati (3rd Degree)

Well I dunno. I feel like I get the best of both with tube & SS amps. As mentioned, I run the tube amps in cooler weather, so the heat isn't a problem then. Their like space heaters in a way. A friend of mine jokes that I could use them with a rotisserie above them. And then in summer months its the SS amp. The Hafler I have does tend to run warm if I use it a while. But not like the tube amps. I like the change up with certain aspects of the sound scape from either of the two types of amplifiers too.

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Re: What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps? [message #99512 is a reply to message #99510]

Mon, 15 June 2026 15:39

Wayne Parham
Messages: 19049
Registered: January 2001

Illuminati (33rd Degree)

That is such a cool idea - Seasonal amplifier tasting - I love it!

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Re: What are the common issues that you've experienced with using different tube amps? [message #99515 is a reply to message #99510]

Tue, 16 June 2026 23:53

Kurt
Messages: 23
Registered: December 2025

Chancellor

Rusty wrote on Mon, 15 June 2026 14:48

Well I dunno. I feel like I get the best of both with tube & SS amps. As mentioned, I run the tube amps in cooler weather, so the heat isn't a problem then. Their like space heaters in a way. A friend of mine jokes that I could use them with a rotisserie above them. And then in summer months its the SS amp. The Hafler I have does tend to run warm if I use it a while. But not like the tube amps. I like the change up with certain aspects of the sound scape from either of the two types of amplifiers too.

Just maybe this is why I am never comfortable with tube amps during the summer period. The weather is already hot and consistent use of tube amps especially the Evo 400 worsen the heat in the room. I agree that I should find that balance between using ss amps and tube amps, but it is never easy since I am a big fan of tube amps.

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