Are medium power push pull tube amplifiers more articulate than high powered units?


I have read numerous times that, allowing for similar quality or the same manufacturer, medium powered (60-80 watts) push pull tube amplifiers are more articulate/laccurate/less distortion than higher powered tube amplifiers (100-300 Wpc). I know everything depends on design, amplification class, parts quality, etc of the push pull tube amplifier, but do most agree with this generalization. If generally true, is it related to the numerous pairs of push pull output tubes which need to be summed at the output of higher powered designs? Some feel that if you want 100 Wpc or more, solid state should be strongly considered.  Thanks for all your opinions in advance.  Norm
normie57

Showing 1 response by unsound

Please accept my apologies in advance if I'm mistaken. I believe Atmasphere has suggested in the past here on Audigon; that in larger tube designs that the transformers required could potentially lead to high frequency roll off. I could imagine that that might be perceived as being less articulate.

FWIW, to my ears the sweet spot with the above mentioned Brystons (though in my case it was the ST series) was the 3BST.

The few ss amps that I've heard that used a minimum number of output devices tended to sound warm and sweet, but soft and a bit lacking in bass. YMMV!