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Tube Amplifier Sound Characteristics

I wish there were a scatter diagram one could put together of tube amp sound qualities. The reason I say this is that today's tube amplification can range from sounding warm and romantic to cool and solid state like.
I like the sound of VTL, Quicksilver and Antique Sound Labs. I am in the market for a tube power amp and as I shop I see where more and more amps do NOT sound like tubes at all. So where would the sound characteristics of the 3 amps I mentioned be? For example I was considering the ARC Ref75SE but owners tell me it is SS sounding. Your thoughts are appreciated.
jimbones
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
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.  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
"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."

I have seen this position stated before. As far as I'm aware every amplifying device has a signature or unique sonic fingerprint/character. This includes all tubes and transistors.

 Hi @bpoletti what specific amplifier or audio component are you referencing that is capable of reproducing "signal as recorded without distortion" ? I'd love the opportunity to hear them.
Charles  
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
960 posts
 
@ bpoletti

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.

And yet none (or almost none) actually achieve this. They all fall short of the theoretical ideal, regardless of how well they measure.  I think the key more accurately lies in where and how the distortions occur, because some amps are simply more convincing at portraying a music signal while driving a speaker.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@knotscott,
Agree,
Listeners at some point in the decision making process choose the type of distortion characteristic they find the least objectionable. There’s no escaping some degree of distortion from electronic audio devices. High odd order harmonic coloration or low even order harmonic coloration. I’m interested to read what amplifiers that @bpoletti can cite as examples. A thoughtful topic.
Charles
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
I wish there were a scatter diagram one could put together of tube amp sound qualities


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In a  blind test, you might not determine which is tube which SS, but trust me, tube is the only way to hear music.. Nuances nunaces nunaces
make sure front end has 12AU7 section,, when I swap brand X for a  Telefunken 12QAU7,, I note a  drop in sonics,, So with tubes you can have fun rolling, + rolling different power tubes,,make sure the tube amp takes all varities of power tubes.
EL34 = KT120 bias..
Basically all power tubes sound same, but its fun rolling anyway.
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