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Tube Amplifier Sound Characteristics

I wish there were a scatter diagram one could put together of tube amp sound qualities. The reason I say this is that today's tube amplification can range from sounding warm and romantic to cool and solid state like.
I like the sound of VTL, Quicksilver and Antique Sound Labs. I am in the market for a tube power amp and as I shop I see where more and more amps do NOT sound like tubes at all. So where would the sound characteristics of the 3 amps I mentioned be? For example I was considering the ARC Ref75SE but owners tell me it is SS sounding. Your thoughts are appreciated.
jimbones
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
 and more amps do NOT sound like

All tube amps sound the same to my ears, 34,88,120,250 all sound pretty close.
Tube = tube
Minus the 300b which was made for telephone usage = dull
arcticdeth's avatar
arcticdeth
1,572 posts
 
Heard several tube amps, there are/subtle differences, while others sound completely different. 
jimbones OP
261 posts
 
@miillercarbon maybe a liner scale lol. On the left is warm romantic, on the right cool neutral?
@russ69 My speakers are DIY Satori MW16P (x2) and TW29R tweeters. 2 way design. 90/91 db efficient, -3db @48hz.
jimbones OP
261 posts
 
BTW since I have heard the VTL and like their sound I would buy one on the used market except that only the really old ones are available and I am willing to spend more to get something not too old.The ASL are nice sounding but poor reliability from what I have seen. My tech advises against it.
I like the ARC but one owner tells me it is on the cool side, a bit bright and edgy.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,037 posts
 
Doesn't the "sound" of a tube amp depend on the various tubes involved?

If there was going to be a Venn Diagram, it would have to be at least two Venn diagrams -- one comparing different amps with the same tubes, and one comparing different tubes with the same amp.


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