If there’s anything in audio as subjective or contested as cables, it might be tubes. There are audiophiles that solemnly swear that tube amplifiers are the true path to Audio Nirvana. Then there are those that won’t sway from the sterility of solid-state amplifiers. And there are those that haven’t tasted tube flavor—they should probably change that.

In my article "How to Tube Roll," for The Master Switch, I wrote that "unlike solid-state amps that simply let you hit a switch and hear the music, tube amps immerse you in the musical process; they require extra care and attention in tube selection, but reward you with something special and seductive in return."

Tube amps bring a different level of uniqueness and personalization into your audio chain, from looks to sound. From different brands, to different variations, swapping one tube for another can have a big impact on system synergy and the tonal characteristics of your amp. And, for many, this is what owning a tube amp is all about. The ability to tweak and experiment through tube rolling is just one more part of the audiophile’s journey to #AudioNirvana.

Roll With It

To learn more about tube rolling and read about a practical example, check out the full version of "How to Tube Roll," on The Master Switch.

I don’t recall what was playing in The Sound Lab that day, or even which Audio 101 lecture took place, because the actions of The Spirited Uncle M were so…unusual. 

So, back to where I left off. Despite dutifully beginning my research into the ZVOX following The Audiophile’s recommendation, I still hadn’t made a decision on what to do. As usual, I spent far too much time reading “expert” reviews and forum posts about all of the ZVOX models, carefully taking note of their pros and cons and comparisons to competing products. I swear the WWW can be a dangerous place; I nearly fried my untrained audio brain trying to process all of the specifications, charts, reviews and other information out there. TOO MUCH NOISE!

I learned this lesson the hard way, so let me offer you, my fellow audio fools, this simple suggestion: If you’re searching for simple advice on the purchasing of any electronic device related in any way, shape or form to the reproduction of sound waves for auditory stimulation and pleasure, DO NOT ASK AN AUDIOPHILE. 

“An audiophile is a person enthusiastic about high-fidelity sound reproduction….
A key goal of audiophiles is to capture the experience of a live musical performance in a room with good acoustics, and reproduce it at home. It is widely agreed that this is very difficult and that even the best-regarded recording and playback systems rarely, if ever, achieve it. 

The term High-end audio refers to playback equipment used by audiophiles, which may be bought at specialist shops and websites. High-end components include turntables, digital-to-analog converters, equalization devices, preamplifiers and amplifiers (both solid-state and vacuum tube), horn and electrostatic speakers, power conditioners, subwoofers, headphones, and acoustic room treatment.”