2. amps-preamps
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solid state vs tubes

has anyone compared a tube amp to a solid state amp and discovered that the diffference sonically between them was undetectable. ? if so what was the tube amp and what was the solid state amp ?

the reason for the question is the basic issue of the ability to distinguish a tube amp from a solid state amp.

this is especially interesting if the components were in production during the 90's , 80's or 70's.

if the components are in current production the probability of such aan occurrence might increasea.

why own a tube amp if there exists a solid state amp that sounds indistinguishable from it ?
mrtennis
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,399 posts
 
Unsound,

Yes, I recall that. It was a CJ amp that the Carver m1.0t was emulating I think?

I had a Carver m4.0t with silver seven transfer function to sound like Carver's statement tube amp for years. It did sound more like a tube amp than most SS amps perhaps and put out 360 w/ch to boot. It worked very well with Magnepan mg1cs, conveying a lot of typical tube amp strengths and weaknesses.
unsound
7,332 posts
 
Mapman, yes, as the footnote confirms it was a conrad-johnson Premier Four.
unsound
7,332 posts
 
Mapman,
http://www.conrad-johnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/a-pr4.html
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,926 posts
 
Hello Unsound, you can see the issue in the curves of most semiconductors, perhaps easier when you compare input capacitance to current.

At any rate, its easy enough to hear! Get a set of ZEROs and a 4 ohm speaker, listen to the difference when driving direct or though the ZEROs.
unsound
7,332 posts
 
Atmasphere, until I see more compelling evidence, or get a free trial, I'm not spending my hard earned money on something like this. I don't hear the need.
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