Tubes vs. Caps?

[markusA]

It's time for one of those odd questions...

What component would you say degrades the sound the most?
1. Caps
2. Tubes

I know it's a weird Q but hey, sometimes my mind wanders to mysterious places.

Let's assume good caps and the proper working point for the tubes.

[SY]

3. Circuit design.

[markusA]

Agreed, great components can never make up for a bad design.

[SY]

And conversely, a great design should minimize the effect of normal variations and imperfections in components.

[markusA]

I agree completely.

[DJDestiny]

If i'm not wrong , short paths to each components decreases the chance of noise .
I might be wrong ...

[DF96]

I vote for 3.

Short "paths" can reduce RF pickup, but internal "paths" will normally be short anyway.

First decide what you want to do (including 'amplifier or FX box' choice). Then find or design a circuit which does it - this will include choosing appropriate valve types and, in some cases, passive component types (e.g capacitor dielectric). Finally, and optionally, play with different brands of valves and components. If these make more than a small difference then there is something wrong with your design, or some of the items are faulty.

[Yvesm]

"I vote for 3."
Count me for one more !

[VictoriaGuy]

I agree with SY (safe bet if I'm in doubt!) - #3
Good circuit and average parts= good sound
Poor circuit and boutique parts= waste of $$

[M Gregg]

Option 3.

Agreed bad design = bad sound.
The circuit is only as good as its weakest component.
Perhaps the question should say assuming a good circuit!


Regards
M. Gregg