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Is there an advantage to more tubes in an amp?

I'm not really familiar with tube amp design, so I really don't have an understanding of how the number of tubes affect the sound of an amp.

Do more tubes allow you to minimize the sonic effects of a single tube within the group?

Do more output tubes give you more power?

Are amps with fewer tubes "more pure" and "cleaner"?

How do Current Source Tubes and Input Tubes affect the sound of an amp?

Thanks in advance.
Nicholas Renter
nrenter

Showing 2 responses by marakanetz

marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
A knowlagable is clueless indeed.

Good thing mentioned here about distortion that is the main factor in sonic signature of tube. And it's so close to the real-time live accoustics.
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Sean,
Although tubes have substantially larger operating tolerances the number of tubes for the same power is substantially smaller than the number of transistors that will add-up in result the same or even larger operating tolerances.
In all cases the number of output devices should be optimized and that's how we can approach synergy, spead and clarity.

The only thing I don't dig is how 300b or any pre-historic-triode SE amp can play MUSIC?
To me it's the same as to build 1w radio that also can play music quite loud especially if placed soewhere in the corner of empty room...
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