tube watts vs solid state watts

No, the tube sounds much louder in my experience. A a general rule tube amps sound about 30-50% louder then SS amps of the same spec output. This is a general rule. Some amps are speced lower than the actual output like Aloia SS amps and others. However, in general tubes amps play louder than SS amps with the same written watts spec.

Bill

There is no answer to your question, instead of worrying about specs. try and find an amplifier that will mate to you speakers well, synergize with your preamp/source and most importantly suits your listening preferences. The tube vs. ss watts debate has been argued adnauseam and there still is no conclusive answer. Some people prefer tubes(like myself) some prefer SS, I think the subconscious influences the perceived power of an amp more then if its tube or ss.

In agree with Tireguy in terms of how to buy an amp. But as a general answer to your direct question - tubes do play louder.

Bill

It is true that the amp itself considering all its components has more to do with perceived power. A Tube amp rated at less than 30 watts for instance may have enormous trannies that will power your speakers to a high volume. That being said I find that many tube amps clip more easily when pushed versus high powered SS. I have not used low powered SS but have tubes (low watts can't be pushed without distortion) and 400 wpc ss amps which have tons of headroom. The real difference is the quality of sound not just the volume. The tube amp is more musical.

I'd agree that tubes seem to put out more power than SS given the same output rating. But I think this has something to do with the way tubes clip and distort vs. the way SS clips and distorts. I think the latter is much more difficult to endure, whereas tubes tend to clip much 'softer' if you will. On a scope the difference is that between a gradual sloping curve and a dramatic, Wiley Coyote cliff, dropping off into an abyss of ear-piercing distortion. (Can you tell I prefer tubes?). The bottom line is that for the same power amp you may be able to push the tubes louder without perceiving (being bothered by) the distrotion/clipping that is actually ocurring.

Marco