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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
Post removed 
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,793 posts
 
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.
This is a well-known myth and has a simple explanation.


This is all about distortion and not sound pressure- if you use a sound level pressure meter you'll find this is the case. Tube amps can overload far more gracefully than solid state (when solid state overloads its very obvious and easy to hear), while at the same time generating a bit of the harmonics that the ear uses to sense sound pressure- so they can **sound** as if they are louder when in fact they are not.

As many have put it before: watts are watts.
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,501 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.
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