Tube Amplifier Sound Characteristics

I love the idea of a chart locating the sound characteristics of different equipment! One could start by locating house sound on different dimensions. Tonal balance, detail, warmth… great idea.

The ARC Ref75SE is a very high end and much loved amplifier. It does not sound like solid state… on the other hand, the moment you hear it it does not broadcast “I am a tube amp”. It has the house sound of Audio Research. It is a high end audiophile amp that is musical and accurate. It is highly detailed with great and strong mid-range bloom and articulate bass. I know of a number of people upgrading from that amp, but can’t bring themselves to let it go. Unless you are looking for syrupy bass and rolled off top end then this is a fantastic amp which you could easily keep for a lifetime.
Click on my user ID to see my systems… note there is some Audio Research gear in it.

Also remember the sound you get out of your system is the sum of all components.

@blindjim 

Absolutely tube amps and solid state amps have been converging… particularly in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. You used to be able to tell what it was instantly. Solid State has gotten less brittle and harsh and tube equipment has gotten more detailed and neutral. The difference now can be subtle… typically still there. At high levels of performance it can still be a very important difference.