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Tube Amplifier Sound Characteristics

I wish there were a scatter diagram one could put together of tube amp sound qualities. The reason I say this is that today's tube amplification can range from sounding warm and romantic to cool and solid state like.
I like the sound of VTL, Quicksilver and Antique Sound Labs. I am in the market for a tube power amp and as I shop I see where more and more amps do NOT sound like tubes at all. So where would the sound characteristics of the 3 amps I mentioned be? For example I was considering the ARC Ref75SE but owners tell me it is SS sounding. Your thoughts are appreciated.
jimbones

Showing 1 response by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
A well-designed amp, tube, SS, whatever, should not have a particular characteristic related to it's underlying circuity.  They should be honest to the music and reproduce sound without coloration or other distortion.  SS sound or tube sound just describes distortion.

Unfortunately, some people enjoy distortion thinking it sounds "musical" or some other bs term.  Whereas true musical reproduction means reproducing the signal AS RECORDED without distortion.  
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