Solid State Tube Replacements

rvalkenburg · by **rvalkenburg** » Thu Oct 16, 2014 2:14 pm

I figured this would be a great conversation piece ...
What does everyone think about solid state tube replacement?

example ... http://amtelectronicsusa.com/productpage12AX7WS.html

Psychman · by **Psychman** » Thu Oct 16, 2014 3:50 pm

Its an interesting concept, and admirable engineering, but I wonder what the point is?

I'm sure they exist for a reason, but If its a drop in replacement for a valve circuit, why would anyone want to do this? If the supporting components for valve amps are in good condition and rebuilt if needed, vacuum tubes last a very long time. I have some early 60s record players that have the original Mullard valves in them.

I don't think the jukebox community would have many good things to say about them as we tend to like traditional things. Afterall, we might otherwise replace our mechanical phonographs with ipods, as is suggested by my other half!

by **Ron Rich** » Thu Oct 16, 2014 4:29 pm

Very interesting--but--no price given, no "life expectancy" given--and, Oh, BTW, What's an"Ipod" ??

Ron Rich

rvalkenburg · by **rvalkenburg** » Thu Oct 16, 2014 4:57 pm

I am not sure I like this idea but, welcome technology. I am in IT Security and work with some of the most advanced technologies in the world but I love my vintage coin-ops (mostly pinball and now 1 jukebox) in that retro flare. But if the solid state tubes provide better sound, draw less energy, produce less heat, etc... I might have to buy one to try. Same thing when I replaced all of my #47 bulbs (82 bulbs) in one of my favorite 1960's pinball machine with LEDs, I hates it at first, but now, a fraction of power draw, I do not need to worry about heat on the plastics, etc...

I have seen these being posted on eBay already for $38 for the 12AX7.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/171101287572?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

Here are the specs, at least what the mfg provides.
http://www.amtelectronicsusa.com/AMT12AX7WS.pdf

Psychman · by **Psychman** » Thu Oct 16, 2014 5:32 pm

I also work in IT, but have become disillusioned with it, I love my old gear, though do embrace some new stuff. I think a good mix with old and new is nice,
I've presently just rigged up a circuit to connect the ceramic pickup from my Bush auto changer to my main hifi rig, which is multi room. Gives me the option of using the integral valve amp, or just playing on my rig when in different rooms.

I may be wrong but I see little benefit in swapping a valve out for this solid state device, as without changing the architecture of the amp I doubt it would improve the sound much if anything. I guess it could run cooler, which may be a plus

guuz · by **guuz** » Sat Nov 01, 2014 10:46 pm

Hi,

I would not welcome Solid State replacements for Amplifier Tubes.I like the jukebox (valve) sound.

However, there exists Drop In replacements for the 2050 Thyratron in the selection mechanism.
Proposed/developed/patented by Otis (they were also used in Elevators).

https://shop.1asecure.com/prod.cfm?prod ... FVGPRZoCSo

http://www.google.com/patents/US3770989

Replacing a Glass 2050 by a Solid State drop in would cure a lot a problems.

Just my 2 $C.

Cheers,

Martin