At first, the choice may seem to be a no-brainer. That argument would overlook several points that favor tubes over solid-state transmitters. In fact, tube transmitters not only survive in today's broadcast environment, but quite a few are sold. Prior to listing the pros and cons of both types of transmitters, let us state a couple of points. Most, if not all, new broadcast transmitters use solid-state IPA stages.
Costs Let's start by considering capital vs. operating costs.
From an initial cost standpoint, tube transmitters win, hands down. My most recent price comparison, within the past year, shows a price differential of about 20 to 25 percent between the types, with solid-state being the more expensive. This difference seems to remain fairly constant across the range of available power outputs, so in actual dollars, the gap widens as the power goes up. If just the initial purchase price is considered, the compelling argument would seem to tip in favor of the tube-type transmitter. Ahh, if life were only that simple.