2. amps-preamps
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Tube Watts vs. Solid State Watts - Any credence?

I've heard numerous times that Tube watts are not the same as Solid State watts when it comes to amps running speakers. For example, a 70 watt tube amp provides more power than a 140 watt solid state amp. Is there any credence to this or just sales talk and misguided listeners? If so, how could this be? One reason I ask is a lot of speakers recommend 50 - 300 watts of amplification but many stores have 35 watt tube amps or 50 watts tube amps running them. More power is usually better to run speakers, so why am I always hearing this stuff about a tube watt is greater than a solid state watt?
djfst
unsound
7,329 posts
 
^sensitivity 91 dB, 4 Ohm nominal.
ait
480 posts
 
How does a large power transformer affect high frequencies?

Output transformer, maybe...
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
The large magnetic field produced by large transformers cannot be good for any frequency, high, low, what have you.
ait
480 posts
 
Geez, guess I'll have to send both of my 62lb output transformers back, then...
czarivey
5,943 posts
 
Djfst,

You can easily divide your 'tube watts' by 2 in most of cases driving Sonus Faber speakers...
So your tube watts are actually halved making you believe that they're loud.

They simply don't see anything below 60Hz due to the struggle with tough load. Most of the power of solid state "watts" are thrown to reproduce bass frequencies below 60Hz.

If you REALLY want to benefit from your tube watz u need to purchase amplified sub-woofer.

No rocket science at all.
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