how close in sound can a tube and ss amp sound ?


i have observed threads requesting advice regarding tube sounding solid state amps, within a price point.

i wonder how to confirm such a request.

in addition to recommendations, what about comparing a particular ss amp to a particular tube amp using an experimental design where bias, or preconception has been eliminated ?

has anyone tested the hypothesis that he/she cannot detect the difference between a tube and a ss amp, within the same power range, price point and minimizing interaction problems, such as impedeance mismatches ?

on the other hand if someone is seeking a tube-like sound out of a solid state amp, i would assume that one would use a "classic" sounding tube amp, e.g., cj mv 45, cj 75, cj 100, or cj mv125 as the tube amp and try to find a ss amp that is indistinguishable from the sound of the classic tube amp.

i have found that many ss amps differ with respect to bass and treble response from many tube amps.

in my own case, i would love to find a 120 watt ss amp which sounds like my vtl tube amp. unfortunately, i am not optimistic.

in other threads, some people have stated that it is impossible to find a ss amp that is "tube-like", in the classic sense.
mrtennis

Showing 6 responses by audiofeil

>>12-29-10: Mrtennis
it would seem that one of the salient factors distinguishing the sound of some tube amps compared to some ss amps is their performance when operating in a clipping mode<<

Salient?

It's irrelevant.
Most people compare amplifiers at average or normal SPL far before clipping occurs.

Therefore comparing amps at clipping levels is basically irrelevant.

If you disagree, so be it.
Okay I get it now. If an amplifier clips in a forest and there's nobody around to hear it, audibly or inaudibly, is it still clipping?

Maybe you should write one of your white papers to make it easier for the those of us living in the forest to understand. How about:

"The inaudible effects of clipping when comparing 2 amplifiers that aren’t clipping but would if you pushed them to clipping levels and the resultant perceptions of the listeners who infrequently listen at clipping levels".

What do you think?
Acutally I'm more interested in inaudible effects and ineffectual audibles.

Thanks