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Tube vs. Solid State Amplifiers

I found this really good link regarding the differences:

https://www.caryaudio.com/2018/06/04/vacuum-tube-vs-solid-state/

I've heard some (who are much more knowledgeable than me) say that a tube amp and solid state amp which are rated at the same output power in practice will not drive a speaker to the same level, that in selecting amplifier power levels, you would get similar results from lower powered tube amps.

I thought it would be interesting to see what those who know much more about this subject would contribute to this discussion.
ejr1953
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,516 posts
 
As many have put it before: watts are watts.

True but tube amps usually have stout power supplies, and big caps that get full power even with both channels driven. There are few lower power SS amps with big caps and excess power available to the power the output transistors. 
earlflynn's avatar
earlflynn
461 posts
 
Speaker sensitivity is key. Harbeth M40 speaker is not going to perform well with say a Raven Blackhawk. 

Output: 20wpc
Frequency response: 20Hz ~ 20kHz
Speaker terminals: 4 and 8 ohm
5 single-ended RCA inputs and 1 single-ended RCA sub output
Recommended speaker sensitivity: 85dB - 95dB
Dimensions: W 15.5" x D 14" x H 6.5"
Weight: 35lbs

Technical Features
3-way vented:
300mm Harbeth bass unit;
200mm Harbeth RADIAL2™ mid;
25mm ferrofluid-cooled tweeter.

Frequency response
35Hz – 20kHz, ±3dB free-space, grille on, smooth off-axis response

Impedance
6-8 ohms, easy to drive

Sensitivity
86dB/2.83V/1m axial

Amplifier suggestion
Works with a wide range of amplifiers – suggested from 35W/channel

Power handling
650W programme

Dimensions
750 x 432 x 388 mm (+12mm for grille and binding posts)

Connectors
Two WBT-nextgen binding posts

Weight
38kg each (without packing)

Space needs
Ideally free-space away from walls.

Stands
Optimally to bring ears level with tweeters. (Tweeter: 660mm up from cabinet base)

Packing
Single speaker per protective carton

Grille colour
Black
wolfie62
352 posts
 
Tubes are nothing but power bulbs. Archaic, noisy, additive in distortion artifacts. 
Power bulbs hold no mysterious, intangible aura for me. They are plagued by problems. Well executed solid state designs have so many advantages that are too numerous to list. AND SS amplifiers mop the floor with power bulbs in every audible specification and sound quality.

Its actually hilarious how much $$$$ folks pay for power bulb amps! Give me a break, already!!

I still have my fathers power bulb amp collection. All restored and cleaned, back to better-than-new. 1950-1962 designs. Meh.

Sold my Conrad Johnson’s and Carvers. No thanks. Power bulbs just don’t get you there.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
4,974 posts
 
They get me there. By a country mile. 
daveyf's avatar
daveyf
2,874 posts
 
Tubes and ss amps both have their pluses and minuses. IME, tube amps tend to give one a better ’gestalt’ of the music, while ss amps tend to be a little more controlled and in some ways ’predictable’ as to their presentation. Where i do think ss amps may be a little better, is in their reliability, mainly due to the tube aging cycle. However, I personally prefer a great tube amp for all it can do SQ wise over most ss amps. The best is to own both designs...that way there is no wrong. Just different flavors, IMO.
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