Solid state amp vs tube amps


Is there a noticeable difference in the sound quality of Tube amplifiers vs solid state amplifier?

marquis4099

I use a tube preamplification to help my active speakers...

It work...

But if you think tube/s.s. make a difference and it does, acoustics control of the room had more impact than almost any upgrade improvement... Acoustics does not replace gear design improvement for sure, nothing does; but acoustics control overpower anything else.

I just put a resonator in my room today...

Huge difference when well tuned...The difference in effect of the S.Q. aspects of sound when only one resonator is added at the right place and tuned as it must be , exceed all my other gear change since the begininng of this acoustic corner for near listening...

 

I’m glad this topic finally came up!

But seriously, I’d have to say that while high-quality equipment can definitely improve sound quality, I’ve found that room acoustics have an even greater impact. This includes differences between tube vs. solid state. Don’t get me wrong, good equipment design is still important, but acoustics can significantly influence how you experience sound. In fact, I recently added additional diffusion in my listening room, and after adjusting them properly, the difference in sound quality has exceeded most other gear improvements. There is real power of optimizing room acoustics – it can surpass the benefits of many equipment upgrades.

Once a room is fairly well dialed in, though, at *that* point you have a truly level playing field and any additional changes to gear can be evaluated with more objectivity and confidence.

A key question to you, OP, is whether you have the room as tuned in as it could be? If not, that is the next lever to press.

I agree. The room acoustics are very important. That said, there are great amps of both types. I have two systems, one is all tube including the cd player, and the other is completely solid state. I enjoy both. If you have a high-end store near you, where you can listen to both, you should do that. I always preferred tube equipment, but I found some solid-state equipment that I really like too. Good luck.

@marquis4099 - I don’t think anyone has asked yet, but would love to hear more about your motivation behind the question? Are you embarking on a search yourself? Or is it more of an academic question? 
 

If it’s the former, you’ve got a potential audio adventure in front of you. Going to listen to solid state and tube amps is a treat. To your original question, I don’t think I’d actually heard a tube amp before. When I finally did, I was hooked. And my fate was set. Tube amps just sound more relaxing and inviting to my ears.