PDA

View Full Version : Why vacuum tubes?


Bires
10-29-2002, 08:51 PM
I noticed some time ago at a hardware site, they were selling high priced vacuum tubes for some ASUS motherboards, aparently to replace some of the components. Now I'm wondering...why?

I wish I bookmarked the page, but I didn't.
twest17
10-29-2002, 09:04 PM
onboard sound

http://www.theforumisdown.com/uploadfiles/0802/vacuumtube.gif
Tommy Boomfiger
10-29-2002, 09:16 PM
the tubes are supposed to be much better than the transistor variety. dont know how much heat they would give off though
coleslaw
10-29-2002, 09:24 PM
Basically, the vacuum tubes are intended to appeal to those audiophiles looking for the best sound quality from their computer system. Vacuum tubes generally provide a more warm sound (i.e. a slightly different frequency response) than their semiconductor counterparts. Some people prefer the sound of PC vacuum tubes over digital amplification/processing similar to the way some people prefer different guitar amplifier brands (which contain vacuum tubes).
Tommy Boomfiger
10-29-2002, 11:34 PM
Originally posted by chosenfool
if i ever used those tubes, id just blow em up. could get expensive.

not good for a guy who turns up the volume to 11 with a knob that says 10.... 11? id figure you more as a guy who would go for 15, maybe 17 ;)
CynJon
10-30-2002, 01:18 AM
Originally posted by Tommy Boomfiger
11? id figure you more as a guy who would go for 15, maybe 17 ;)

Yeah, you call yourself an overclocker? Weak...:P
ribitch
10-30-2002, 04:03 AM
i highly doubt the tubes on the mobo will blow too easily. They should be designed to handle much more than the system is designed to handle.

Anyone use one of these boards yet? if so, how does the audio sound?
johnnymk
10-30-2002, 07:21 AM
I have a 35 year old amp and pre-amp system which both have tubes. I haven't used either component in 20 years, but I remember the sound was quite good. I should hook them up and compare them to my digital system.
ribitch
10-30-2002, 07:31 AM
i have used a tube based amp with my guitar, and i like the sound when compared to a marshall transistor based amp. If i could affor done I would definitely buy one.
spigidygak
10-30-2002, 09:10 AM
Its an excellent idea, but I think the sound is limited heavily by other inferior parts. But man o man, such a great idea.