If you are looking at buying new, then U$3K for a high-end amp and U$2K for the speakers is a ball park starting figure.
my queries would be similar.
tube amps are generally expensive, for the same 'volume' (used as a very basic, lay term).
SS amps on the other had are much cheaper for similar ratings and much more easily accessible.
tubes are harder to maintain. SS, easy, as more widely used/sold.
tube amp. if you like acoustic recording, for ex. Clapton's 'Layla' or Rebecca Pidgeon's 'Spanish Harlem' or Jagjit Singh 'Baath nikli tho'. SS, if you like Metallica/IronMaiden/Judas Priest fully cranked up.
next in line is speakers, as to what speakers would you use with the amp.
tube amps go well with electrostatic hybrids or single driver dynamics.
SS amps would go with almost anything.
Hifi
What you say is true for the most part. However the Jolida JD1501 or the 1701 are excellent hybrid amps and priced around 500 - 700 USD. Considered one of the best options for the discerning listener on a budget (yes sometimes they go together as well!)
Hi marsilians,
hehe, good idea
Hybrid amps are neither pork nor beef (or whatever you prefer). I am a bit in doubt that it might be a solution for XDR. Of course a lot manufacturer offering such concepts (i.e. Vincent, and a lot of chinese (french -> AA) brands etc.).
Surprisingly you will not find hybrid concepts within "serious" manufacturer's products, i.e. Accuphase, Cambridge, Rotel, NAD etc. Won't say the later mentioned are the only and "the" brands, just as examples.
Imho and when choosing a tube solution, you have to follow that concept consequential to the end, including sources (and appropriate speakers).
Totally agree with Cranky above. a lot of the responses are misleading and incorrect. Especially those of you who are saying thet SS is accurate and tube has distortionyou really have a lot to read up on.
to the OP..if you are still interested, dont worry about SS or Tube from a sound perspective. it is very difficult to differentiate. there are tube amps which can sound hard and solid state which can be soft and mushy.
typically tube designs are simplistic but low pwer..which SS can crank out more power per Rs
But othersise this topic of "differences" is quite senseless to discuss
what is more important to figure out the amp within your budget which can synergise best with your speaker and give you the sound you like.
tube amps are more difficult tog et in india, but that does not mean that they do not exist. you can contact Viren bakshi of Lyrita audio who make excellent tube amps
XDR What is your Budget ? and what speakers are you planning to run ? witnout these two the question is not really complete