Tube amplifiers (also known as valves) are considered an ‘elite’, more natural sounding to some. They need to be kept in a warm state, and that it why they have a ‘stand by’ switch. This turns down the plate voltage from normal operating range to just enough to keep the tubes within operating norms.
Solid state takes many forms, also known as Classes.
For the most part, turn it on and listen within a few minutes. Transistors (the solid state equivalent of tubes) are fast acting and really don’t need to be ‘warmed’ before use. Unless of course you are using a Pure Discrete Class A’ amplifier, then they prefer to be HOT. (look up Threshold T-Series amplifiers).
I prefer solid state myself as there is little, or no, maintenance involved. Tubes will lose their vacuum over time and need to be replaced every so often.
It’s not so much a matter of better.
Tube amplifiers (also known as valves) are considered an ‘elite’, more natural sounding to some. They need to be kept in a warm state, and that it why they have a ‘stand by’ switch. This turns down the plate voltage from normal operating range to just enough to keep the tubes within operating norms.
Solid state takes many forms, also known as Classes.
For the most part, turn it on and listen within a few minutes. Transistors (the solid state equivalent of tubes) are fast acting and really don’t need to be ‘warmed’ before use. Unless of course you are using a Pure Discrete Class A’ amplifier, then they prefer to be HOT. (look up Threshold T-Series amplifiers).
I prefer solid state myself as there is little, or no, maintenance involved. Tubes will lose their vacuum over time and need to be replaced every so often.