I should have written that sentence differently pointing out that output power depends on the topology of the tube - triode vs. ultra-linear vs. pentode with the output power going progressively higher as one moves from triode to pentode.
Really it depends on how many tubes are used. Our MA-3 makes over 500 watts and its entirely triode, yet the H/K Citation 2 is pentode and only makes 60 watts. I think what you were trying to say in this passage is that pentodes **usually** pack a lot more power per tube than triodes usually do (there are triodes out there that make a lot of power; more than most pentodes).
Ultra-linear is a means of approaching triode linearity while retaining the power output of a tetrode or pentode (either can be used in ultralinear). The use of tetrodes, pentodes, triodes and ultralinear operation otherwise has nothing to do with power at all.
i think he's saying the same thing Atma-sphere & I & others have already written which is: a watt is a watt but each amp reacts differently with each speaker.
Actually I was more commenting on strictly how the amps distort- tubes interact favorably with human physiology while generally transistors do not (lower ordered harmonics as opposed to the dreaded 7th harmonic). This interaction can be quite profound and hard to turn down when you hear it!
A few years ago my band was at a show in Chicago. There were a lot of bands on the bill and to save time with each one shifting gear on stage, we offered to 'backline' our bass amplifier- a 400-watt Peavey ('backlining' is the process of having some equipment left on stage that all the bands would use during the show). One of the bands had a 500-watt Orange bass amplifier, which is class D. He wanted the extra power. He was quite blown away when I pointed out that a class D 500 watt amplifier would in no way keep up with a 400 watt tube amp on stage. He tried it and agreed- but had to go back to the class D amp as the Peavey made far more bass energy than he was used to- he was used to the thinner sound of the class D amp and was a little panicked that he would not be able to get the right sound (they were going on first).
