@edwin
I don't do tubes.
Not all of them.SS Yamaha amps are notoriously "clinical", even compared to other SS amps by the likes of Sansui, Pioneer and Marantz, so they will likely be dramatically different than a tube amplifier. That said, it is all about what you prefer.
I refurb both of Edwins Yamaha pieces. I don't care to work on valves.I have no inspiration to start now. The last tubes I worked with were TWT's (RF " EW jamming" amplifiers )..Have you ever tried any?
Plenty of tube gear out there. Also plenty of people putting boutique
prices on tube gear. I have some entry level gear, the Mk 1 version of
http://www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au/cyber-800-ii
They sound ok but are slightly lacking in the area of slam and maybe bass.
I must admit I like the convience of SS and just flicking a switch.
Currently tinkering with a CX-1, CX-1000, C-70 and an M-70. The CX-1000 is
impressive, only a brief listen to the C-70 (relay problems?) and was
impressed by the "in room presence". The valve stuff is packed away for now.
My understanding is the C-85/M-85 are slightly better. Suggest you have a
good listen to some valve gear at the next hi-fi show in the area.
...The C-85, besides feeling like a thin can comparing to the CX-1000, has a floor noise way higher than that or the CX-1000. Otherwise, they are both transparent and good sounding.
possibly, or maybe one was picking up line noise more than the other. I have not done a scientific study by any means but did tested them at the same location.Interesting, considering the specs that should easily define noise appear quite similar, if not the same. Perhaps the C-85 of comparison was not quite right.
Try a B-2. You will not be looking for a "sweet" sounding amp after that, tube or otherwise.I think i won’t rush going into tubes. Tried looking for a good tube technician in my area before i go into it but couldn’t find any. I will have a problem if something goes wrong. I guess ill just stick with my present SS set up now and enjoy it. Thanks
Yes they are VFETs..Are parts available? are these vfets?