2. amps-preamps
  3. 1320804856

Tube AMP or SS

Hello everyone, I need some advice on an amp to purchase, maybe I dont even need one but need your expertise. I have a Yamaha rx-a1000 recv and MA S8 speakers and center, plus rears. I listen to jazz and watch now and them some blockbuster stuff. Looking to increase the clarity and sound stage. Dont have much cash, and was wondering if a tube amp would make a big difference. If so, can I purchase anything in the 1k range?
dannyd70
xti16
1,525 posts
 
"Watts are watts, and they are calculated the same way", is absolutely true. It is also true that efficient speakers require fewer watts. While these are electronic facts, "watts are watts" is not an "audio fact". For reasons unknown to me, that apparently can not be explained; "tube watts" are bigger stronger and tougher.
With tubes in a push/pull configuration they generally have more current available. I had a Bryston B100sst rated at 180w @4ohms. I now have an Octave V70SE tube integrated rated at 70w @4ohms. The Octave just destroys the Bryston in terms of 'control'. My speakers are Dyn C1 signatures rated at 85db. For solid state the Naim line has great current capabilities for the low watt rating.

That's been my experience so far :)
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
In my experience watts may be watts, but the sound quite different coming out of a tube amp compared with SS - the may measure the same, and be the same in that sense, but they sound quite different driving speakers - an SS amp let's you know it is running out of steam in a much more obvious and unpleasant way.
darkmoebius
900 posts
 
11-15-11: Xti16
With tubes in a push/pull configuration they generally have more current available. I had a Bryston B100sst rated at 180w @4ohms. I now have an Octave V70SE tube integrated rated at 70w @4ohms. The Octave just destroys the Bryston in terms of 'control'. My speakers are Dyn C1 signatures rated at 85db. For solid state the Naim line has great current capabilities for the low watt rating.
Tubes are generally better at voltage drive while SS is better at current.

A lower output power amplifier outperforming one with higher output could many factors besides whether they are tube or solid state. Power supply and output device operating point are big factors.
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
Although I understand electronics very well, electronics and audio are not the same. While those formulas come out fine on paper, they don't sound the same.

I had a 150 watt SS amp that was barely sufficient, now I have a 70 watt tube amp that seems to put out more or equal volume for sure; this is in the same room with the same speakers. Although I can figure an electronic formula, I can not hear an electronic formula.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
Darkmobius, when you say "outperforming" do you mean quality, or apparent loudness? Certainly the factors you mention have alot to do with one amp outperforming another amp qualitatively, having little to do with watts.
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