Tube Power vs Solid State Power

Power supplies within amps have great impact upon watts ratings. All things being equal, amp with superior PS will have superior micro and macro dynamics.

Tube amps tend to be optimistically rated such that an amp rated at 40 watts will only output that amount with quite a bit of distortion; in that sense tube amp watts are less, not more than solid state watts. But, tube amps distort more gracefully (mostly low order distortion), and they tend to compress (not get proportionately louder) rather then sounding harsh, so one might be tempted to push them closer to their rated power.  To me, great sounding tube amps sound more alive, particularly at lower volume levels, than top solid state amps, so one is satisfied with playing at a lower power level.  Hence, the tube amp tends to sound more powerful than its rating.

I found this short article to be very good.  


https://www.caryaudio.com/2018/06/04/vacuum-tube-vs-solid-state/

If solid state amps had the same power supplies as most tube amps, you would not see much difference. There are very few low power solid state amps with big power supplies so it's hard to compare.  

You know larryi2, that is a good representation of what actually happens, as I understand it. The type of harmonics are the perfect imperfection that MY ears lend themselves to. Most SS are Brittle, Harsh and (seem) bright, to a point of fatigue. Tubes just don't do it..

It is how they measure distortion, and how much distortion there is at any given time. THEY (manufactures) do all kinds of things to print a bigger number, or lower distortion ratings.. There are a LOT of weird numbers flying around for sure.. 

I like when a manufacture says. 100 watts minimum @ 8ohms. 20hz to 20khz with .01 THD/IMD

https://www.nti-audio.com/en/support/know-how/lets-clear-up-some-things-about-distortion

A watt is a watt, it's AFTER the fact anyway...

Regards