2. amps-preamps
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A Black Box to Solve Everything

Tubes vs. solid state?? There's a thread out right now about this exact question (there always is), but I didn't want to take it off subject. So my question is; is there a device that could go between the preamp and amp that has variable harmonic distortion capabilities? I know there are tube buffers, but they are not really addressing the point because they use line level signals and don't have the distortion of a good 300B tube being pushed beyond its limits. My thinking is that of a black box with switches and knobs to adjust harmonic distortion to mimic different tube types. It would also have to have a bypass switch so we could readily and quickly A/B the thing. Any ideas?

koestner
thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
4,432 posts
 

Nifty idea, but I think those who enjoy tubes already know the sound they like best and have bought appropriate tube gear. Not at all certain as to what’s involved technically to mimic the harmonics of a myriad tube types, but it could be a lot of R&D and manufacturing loot for a device that would most likely see limited sales, relegated to a very small percentage of the world’s consumers. But, if you charge enough and people are willing to pay for it...

High risk, though. Maybe.

Can’t win a prize if you don’t buy a ticket!

Then again, can't lose your ticket money if you do and lose.

Can you tell I had waffles this morning?!

koestner OP
670 posts
 

Yeah, I guess it would go the way of the QOL Completion Device. It would be cool though for people with solid state amps.

elliottbnewcombjr
5,460 posts
 

Sounds like something Bob Carver could create in a week!

My Carver Tuner, and Carver Cube Amp both had unique patented features that did what he said they did. He’s unique himself.

I think he said, pick any amp, he could create that amp's sound. Pick another, he could match it's sound

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