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
unsound
7,332 posts
 
Mapman,
http://www.conrad-johnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/a-pr4.html
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,922 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.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,399 posts
 
aTMAS,

Aren't 4 ohm loads more problematic for tube amps in general? Isn't that part of teh reason why you advocate 8 ohm or higher speakers for use with your tube amps?

I will gladly try the zeros if someone wants to loan me a pair. If I ever experiment with a SET amp down the road, the zeros might come in handy.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,480 posts
 
In my youth there was a definite difference in sound between tubes and solid state. Audio Research and Conrad Johnson vs. Krell and Mark Levenson. Today, the very best designs have closed the gap so that there isn't a solid state or tube sound. There are excellent examples of each. Today,Audio Research and Ayre sound more similar than different.
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