Tube Amplifier Sound Characteristics

@jimbones

OK I should have stated that I am new to tube power amps. That explains a lot of my ignorance on the subject and I apologize.

Don’t apologize for what you don’t know....especially when you’re posting questions to learn.

One of the common themes I find with decent tube amps when utilized with a revealing system, regardless of the tonal characteristics of a particular tube, is the resolution and clarity through the mids and treble that creates a more palpable convincing soundstage that transforms me from the couch to the recording session....obviously it does vary from amp to amp, and tube to tube, but that's one of the stronger general traits that draw me to tube gear.  Many tube amps don’t have overpowering authoritative deep bass compared to a high watt SS amp (some do), but many have outstanding micro dynamics that create more concussive transient attacks from instruments like strings, piano, percussion and drums, guitar plucks, etc., that are part of that convincing transformation. Even my $250 Nobsound amp had some of those characterics....beefier, more prestigious amp circuits do also, but even more so. At least that’s part of what I hear from my tube amps that keeps me craving the sound of tube gear.

All amps sound different to varying degrees.
There is that.
Then you express a desire to find the sound you like. Only you know.
There is that.
A chart might be a good idea depending on the sonic integrity of whoever makes it.

Thank you @knotscott. I demoed 3 amps in my system in order of preference VTL, Quicksilver, Carver. I dont need thunderous bass. I want naturalness of strings and woodwinds/brass. I actually like bass that is a little bit round. I run GR Research servo subs so they are tight tight tight lol. It's funny when I got my RP7 out of the box it was very cool sounding and I remember myself saying "If I wanted SS I would have bought SS!" haha. I retubed with NOS Baldwin black plate to tone them down a bit. I had someone who owns a Ref75SE say it sounds like a SS amp.

Jump on VAC ASAP!!

A well-designed amp, tube, SS, whatever, should not have a particular characteristic related to it's underlying circuity.  They should be honest to the music and reproduce sound without coloration or other distortion.  SS sound or tube sound just describes distortion.

Unfortunately, some people enjoy distortion thinking it sounds "musical" or some other bs term.  Whereas true musical reproduction means reproducing the signal AS RECORDED without distortion.