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Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #71911]

Sun, 25 March 2012 19:17

AdrianG
Messages: 59
Registered: October 2011

Baron

I think most of us would agree that solid state amps have improved in recent years. Since they are generally cheaper, do you see a point where the market for tube amps becomes extremely small? Or will there continue to be a demand for both types of amps?

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Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #72135 is a reply to message #71911]

Fri, 13 April 2012 16:16

Shane
Messages: 1117
Registered: May 2009

Illuminati (3rd Degree)

As long as there are audiophiles there will most likely be a demand for tubes in the near future anyway. I've found that the SS amps that I prefer tend to be more expensive than the tube amps I like. YMMV though.

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Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #72219 is a reply to message #71911]

Wed, 18 April 2012 09:53

audioaudio90
Messages: 623
Registered: October 2010

Illuminati (1st Degree)

I think there are enough tube aficionados to keep tube amps in business for quite some time. I wouldn't be surprised if the market did get a little smaller as time goes on, but not to the point where it's a niche market.

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Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #73722 is a reply to message #72219]

Sun, 02 September 2012 00:00

steve f
Messages: 241
Registered: May 2009

Master

Guys, it's already a niche market. I'm amazed that a couple of new tubes have been developed. I still like 'em though.

steve

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Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #73731 is a reply to message #73722]

Sun, 02 September 2012 17:01

gofar99
Messages: 2048
Registered: May 2010
Location: Southern Arizona

Illuminati (5th Degree)

Hi, I sure hope they won't die out. It is what I design...high performance tube amps. Plus musicians tend to like them. I figure they will be around for a long time. Trying not to be commercial here ... Oddwatt sales are continuing to grow every year - some one is out there buying the gear. This is a similar situation to LPs going away. With at least two new LP plants started in the past year and more than that CD plants closing the demise of vinyl was obviously false. I saw an article from 1980 a little while ago that said "buy you last turntable now" ...as they will not exist in 2-5 years. Another demise that didn't happen. So since tubes are still here and while the companies making them have changed the products are doing well. Smile

Good Listening
Bruce

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Re: Will there be a time when tube amps are rarely used? [message #99793 is a reply to message #73722]

Mon, 14 September 2026 13:51

Clint
Messages: 51
Registered: December 2025

Baron

steve f wrote on Sun, 02 September 2012 00:00

Guys, it's already a niche market. I'm amazed that a couple of new tubes have been developed. I still like 'em though.

steve

I agree with you that solid state amps have come a long way. The modeling ones especially sound way better than they used to. A lot of players I know use them now because they're lighter, cheaper, and you can get a ton of different tones without hauling a bunch of gear around.

That said, I don't see tube amps disappearing anytime soon. There's still something about the way a good tube amp feels under your fingers and reacts when you dig in. It's hard to fully copy that, even with the best solid state stuff. A lot of guys just prefer the real tubes for recording or playing live when they can.

I figure both will stick around. Solid state will keep taking more of the everyday and budget side of the market, but there will always be people who want the tube sound and are willing to pay for it. The market for pure tube amps might get a bit smaller, but I doubt it ever becomes tiny. There's just too much history and feel tied up in them.

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