Tube Amps vs. Solid State

I'm getting a new amp, and I fell in love with a Vox tube amp, but I heard that tube amps require a lot of maintence. Now I'm not sure whether I should get it or not. Any help?

I asked the people on the Equipment Forum on the Foo board and this is what I got:

The question: "What are the differences, positives and negatives about having a tube amp versus a solid state amp. Any opinions?"


Everything. Tone, feel, response, warmth, volume, dynamics, clarity, articulation, dimension...everything.

It's just a world of difference that transistors will never suffice for.

There are some decent SS(transistor) amps out there that aren't bad, and they are usable, but they're far and few between. For most companies, reliability often wanes due to their production of valve amps. I've owned 11 tube amps, 2 digital amps, and 3 solid state amps. The solid states never saw a gig, rehearsal, or can not be heard on any recording. They just aren't that great. Digital sounds better than solid state IMO.

The people that use them that have the most luck with them are country and jazz players.

People doing rock always complain about their thin and cardboard-esque tone

Valve amps are a lot, lot better, but they are considerably more expensive. The maintenance isnt that expensive or frequent provided you take good care of it. But i don't know if their necessary for a lot of people. A good transistor amp and a good effects console can try and imitate the sound of a valve amp for a lot less money. It depends on how much money youve got and what you want to use it for.

Solid-state for the win. Go with a nice Gallien-Krueger head, and a Carvin cab.

EDIT: Wait, are you talking about a guitar amp?