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.
Tube Power vs Solid State Power
I continually hear Tube power is more powerful than Solid State Power. IE; “A 20 watt tube amp’s power is like a 60 watt Solid State Amp’s Power” and so on… Is this true ???
I always think of the “What’s Heavier, a pound of Feathers or pound of Rocks story?” A pound is a pound right ?
Maybe someone could offer some thoughts and explain if this is true or not.
Thanks
I always think of the “What’s Heavier, a pound of Feathers or pound of Rocks story?” A pound is a pound right ?
Maybe someone could offer some thoughts and explain if this is true or not.
Thanks
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- 50 posts total
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 |
Not true because amplifiers do not put out power to the speakers -- speakers consume power. Amplifier power output is the dissipation of heat. To simplify, if a speaker presents a 4-ohm load to a 12-volt ac signal, the speaker draws 3-amps from the amplifier and converts 36 watts of electrical power to sound power and heat. If the amplifier can pass that 3-amp current through, then the speaker doesn’t care whether it comes from transistors or a transformer. |
- 50 posts total