100% agreed. I always audition before making any audio related purchases, especially when it comes to tubes. Personally I prefer my headamp to be transparent and only after that I color the sound with tube preamps/buffers (I use iFi iTube2 for this).If it isn't transparent, then in effects you're buying an effects box, so what effects you like won't necessarily be the same as anyone else likes, so only you can judge, and asking opinions is pretty futile.
Also, why tubes? Looks maybe?
If a tube amplifier is well designed and is transparent, then why bother with tubes, you might as well use SS and save a lot of cost, power consumption, heat etc etc.
I do (sort of) understand fun, that's why I have three turntables, but for me tubes are a step too far. Back in 1967, I tried a SS amplifier, but the MTBF was measured in minutes, so I went back to tubes and built a pair of Mullard 5-10s. I used these until 1971 when the 2N2955/3055 complementary pair became available, and built myself a 30 watt PC amplifier.But that ignores a certain coolness and fun factor. Seriously. I use tubes, but with proper engineering so that I can achieve audible transparency. Sure I could use solid state and get the same results, but... I could also drive a Hyundai instead of a '57 T-Bird.* The Hyundai is cheaper, more reliable, and probably outperforms the T-Bird. But for car geeks, driving a T-Bird is... fun.
*Disclaimer: This is just an analogy. I drive a Hyundai because I'm largely uninterested in cars.
Also, why tubes? Looks maybe?
If a tube amplifier is well designed and is transparent, then why bother with tubes, you might as well use SS and save a lot of cost, power consumption, heat etc etc. If it isn't transparent, then in effects you're buying an effects box, so what effects you like won't necessarily be the same as anyone else likes, so only you can judge, and asking opinions is pretty futile.
S.
40-100, I guess they can't be made as generous as solid state right?
If I'm not mistaken, @amirm already got one for review.Look at the reviews for this tube hybrid amp on amazon,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07H5HK3QT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And then get these tubes for it and you will not be disappointed,
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DLBABE4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But that ignores a certain coolness and fun factor. Seriously. I use tubes, but with proper engineering so that I can achieve audible transparency. Sure I could use solid state and get the same results, but... I could also drive a Hyundai instead of a '57 T-Bird.* The Hyundai is cheaper, more reliable, and probably outperforms the T-Bird. But for car geeks, driving a T-Bird is... fun.
*Disclaimer: This is just an analogy. I drive a Hyundai because I'm largely uninterested in cars.
Well there is a review on Monoprice complaining about hum. So there's my answer. Still will use the UPS for the computer.Well I have the Monoprice Monolith tube amp. I have some hum issues but every tube amp I have had hum at this house. I am getting a UPS with AVR and pure sine wave output. I will plug the amp into the UPS and see if that helps, then unplug the UPS so it runs on battery(as suggested by another member) If it still hums, then its the amp I guess. But it has output transformers and sounds descent for a tube amp at the price range so I hope it works. Will report back in a few days when the UPS arrives.
The headphone impedance of the headphones changes the level of hum and also were the impedance selector switch is set also effects level of hum. On the 80 Dt-770 the hum is real low at the proper impedance setting, on 250 ohm 6xx'x its louder unless I cheat and lower the impedance switch a few clicks to were I have the dt-770's set at.
Changed the tubes around, its not them.
Tip=I have to admit, the THXAAA 789 sounds better with any headphones I have. But the tube amp has those mids that I like about tubes.