We all know why tube amps are so popular.
They produce a richer, more full-bodied sound than solid-state amps, and many believe they are more expressive and dynamic.
Unfortunately, they are also often harder to find and require more maintenance than solid-state amps.
And that’s a big reason why tube amps are so dang expensive.
That’s not the only reason, though.
Tube amps are more expensive because they are in high demand for their sound quality.
They are also more challenging to manufacture than solid-state amps.
And some of the best guitar players in the world also swear by their tube amps, which tempts players like me to open up their wallets and spend lots of money.
Let me explain why tube amps are so expensive, but also give you some pointers on how you can find a tube amp in your budget that still sounds very good.
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The Main Reasons Why Tube Amps Cost a Lot of Money
Let’s first explain why the price tags on tube amps are typically higher than on solid-state amps.
Tube Amp Components Are Expensive
Tube amps tend to have a more natural, open sound than solid-state amps, thanks to the bevy of individual components that make up the amplifier. Those same components give tube amps a greater sense of touch and response.
Let’s break down the most common components that bring up the price of these popular amplifiers.
Vacuum Tubes
The secret sauce to a tube amp is, well… the tubes! Vacuum tubes offer every tone under the sun, from warm cleans to those dirty blues tones that reverberate through any venue.
That’s the good part.
The bad part? Those tubes are typically unreliable and must be replaced every 12 to 18 months — especially if you play often.
Some experts suggest that a group of tubes’ working lifespan is between 1,000 and 5,000 hours. More specialized tubes — like a quart of premium oil for your car — can rack up as many as 8,000 hours of playing time before you need to replace them.
Now, if you can do basic math, a tube that can last 1,000 hours works out to about 2 hours of playing time each day of the year. Up that number to 5,000 hours, and you’re looking at 13 hours of playing time each day — a number that even most professionals won’t touch.
I think most beginner players can easily get 18 to 24 months if they’re playing with high-quality vacuum tubes.
Of course, high quality means high dollar. A set of four tubes can run you north of $100.
That’s why higher-quality amps, like a Fender ‘65 Princeton Reverb, are on the pricier side. Depending on the model, a replacement NOS tube can run anywhere between $150 and $250. By including those tubes in the amp, the overall price of the amp is going to be more expensive.
Output Transformers
Output transformers are used in amplifiers to match the impedance of the load to the impedance of the amplifier.
This is important because it ensures the amplifier can deliver the maximum amount of power to the load. Without an output transformer, the amplifier would not be able to provide its full power to the load, and the load would not be able to utilize the full force of the amplifier.
In other words, output transformers are the final connection in your amp that carries the signal from the tubes to the speaker.
Higher quality output transformers do a better job creating a power-suitable signal for the speaker, while cheaper ones can make your sound pretty muddy.
On average, output transformers cost $100 to $150 but can go higher or lower depending on quality.
Output transformers are an obvious reason tube amplifiers are more expensive than solid-state amps. That’s because solid-state amps don’t have output transformers! They use transistors and diodes — which are WAY cheaper than the complicated wiring of an output transformer.
Higher-Quality Speaker
Vacuum tube amplifiers are delicate pieces of equipment. You’re relying on this complex signal produced from the pickups in your guitar to make its way through vacuum tubes and then be converted through an amp’s speakers.
That’s why to get the most out of a tube amplifier, it needs to have a high-quality speaker that expresses those warm, round tones. After all, the speaker (or amp’s speakers) is the primary amplification source.
That’s why it’s no surprise that top tube amps, which are pretty expensive, feature a speaker from top makers like Celestion International (1), Electro-Voice (2), and Eminence (3).
While the pre and power tubes help turn your guitar’s signal into warm lows and mellow upper-mids, the speaker completes that tone. A decent speaker can run you north of $300 — and even more than $500, depending on the brand and quality.
Tube amplifier makers also know they can make some margin off a speaker, presumably because they’re buying those in bulk at a lower price and then selling you a complete tube amplifier.
So, which factors should you consider when shopping for a tube amplifier in terms of speakers?
The first is impedance. Most tube amplifiers are designed to work with a speaker with a nominal impedance of 8 ohms. However, some tube amplifier models can work with a speaker with a nominal impedance of 4 ohms.
The second thing to consider is power-handling. Tube amplifiers can put out a lot of power, so it is important to choose one that can handle the power the amplifier can produce. You can assume that most higher-end tube amplifier models will include a strong enough speaker.
The third thing to consider is the frequency response of the speakers. Tube amplifiers tend to have a very wide frequency response, so it is essential to choose speakers that can reproduce the full range of frequencies that the amplifier can produce.
Finally, it is crucial to consider the size of the speaker. Tube amplifiers can be very large, so you want to choose one that will not be overwhelmed by the size of the amplifier.
Heavy-Duty Chassis
As you can see, tube amps feature a handful of delicate components that 1) need to be protected and 2) take up a lot of space. To that end, you need a heavy-duty and larger chassis to cover all the components, from power amp tubes to complex circuitry.
As you can assume, that type of chassis requires more raw materials, which increases the overall cost.
It also makes the amp heavier, which increases the company’s shipping costs, which are likely handed down to the consumer in one way or the other.
Unlike a solid-state amplifier, where the electronics are essentially in one main compartment of the amp, tube amps have more complex circuitry with point-to-point wiring that extends through the entire amp. To that end, it typically takes skilled manual labor to carefully put together the tube amp so that everything functions correctly.
So, if you’re looking for a classic tube amp sound, make sure it has a good quality chassis to house those expensive components. The chassis also plays a role in shaping the sound of the tube amp.
Tube Amps Are Highly Sought After
While solid-state amplifiers are more common and less expensive, tube amps are highly desired for their unique sound.
Tube amps sound warmer and more organic — and are often described as more “musical.” This is partly because tube amps introduce more distortion than solid-state amps, which some musicians feel gives the music more character.
Additionally, tube amps tend to be more responsive to the player’s touch, making them more dynamic and expressive.
For these reasons, tube amps are highly sought after by many musicians, especially those who play genres like blues and rock that benefit from their warm, distorted sound.
While they can be more expensive and require more maintenance than solid-state amps, many feel that they are worth the extra money and effort for the unique sound they produce.
So, like any good product that’s highly sought after, you’re going to run into a supply and demand situation that increases the price when demand outweighs the supply.
Demand becomes even higher after players find out their favorite guitarist uses a particular tube amp, which causes prices on the new and used market to increase.
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Tube Amps vs. Solid State Amps: Price
Tube amps are generally more expensive than solid-state amps, partly due to the tubes’ cost.
However, many guitarists feel the extra expense is worth it, as tube amps sound better.
On the other hand, solid-state amps are more affordable and often favored for their reliability and lower maintenance costs. Ultimately, deciding which type of amp to buy comes down to personal preference.
You can typically expect to pay at least $500 for a tube amp, while you can find solid states for significantly less — especially smaller practice amps.
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How to Get a Better Deal on Tube Amps
If you’re looking for a deal on a tube amp, there are a few things I recommend you do.
First, check out online retailers like Amazon or eBay. I’m more of a Sweetwater guy myself, but the big box stores online tend to have good deals.
While eBay is typically associated with the used market, several guitar shops utilize it to sell new gear. Make sure to look for refurbished items because they also come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Secondly, do it the old-fashioned way and test out tube amps at your local guitar shop. While everyone thinks the best deals are on the internet, you’d be surprised what kind of deal your local shop could put together for you.
Better yet, if something goes wrong with the tube amplifier you purchase, you can always bring it back for repairs or possibly a return.
I like local shops because they are open to haggling — especially if you’re in the market also to purchase a new guitar. Buying two higher dollar items at the same time means you can start talking discounts.
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Are Cheap Tube Amps Worth It?
Cheap tube amps can be an excellent option for budget-conscious guitarists, but they can also be a false economy. Just because you saved some money upfront doesn’t mean you won’t be paying for repairs down the road later — especially if the build quality is inferior.
That being said, a cheap tube amp may be a good option if you’re just starting out. You can get a decent sound without spending a lot of money. Our team reviewed a number of small tube amps that fit perfectly into this category.
However, if you’re looking for a high-quality sound, you may be better off spending more money on a better amp.
Interestingly enough, cheap tube amps can be a good option if you’re looking for a vintage sound. Many budget amps are modeled after classic designs. However, keep in mind that you may not be getting the same quality as you would with a more expensive amp.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether a cheap tube amp is worth it. Consider your budget, your needs, and your personal preferences. With a bit of research, you can find the perfect tube amp for you.
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Save Up for a Tube Amplifier
Yes, we know by now that tube amps are expensive. That’s why you came here in the first place.
I hope we were able to shed some light on not only why tube amplifiers are more expensive than their solid-state counterparts but also explain why that extra investment that tube amps typically require is worth it.
High-quality tube amplifiers require a dedicated player willing to spend a little extra money, knowing that the warm, organic tones they are going to create are definitely worth the investment.
Make sure to poke around on our site — especially if you’re a beginner! Happy playing.
References
- See company website here: https://celestion.com/
- See company website here: https://electrovoice.com/
- See company website here: https://eminence.com/
