Tube Amplifier Sound Characteristics

There are a lot of variables in play....the circuit, the caps, the tubes, the rest of the system...all contribute, so even an amp of the same brand and model can sound different with different tubes.  One of the things I like about tube amps is that you can tailor the sound to your liking by carefully choosing which tubes you use.  

@jimbones

OK I should have stated that I am new to tube power amps. That explains a lot of my ignorance on the subject and I apologize.

Don’t apologize for what you don’t know....especially when you’re posting questions to learn.

One of the common themes I find with decent tube amps when utilized with a revealing system, regardless of the tonal characteristics of a particular tube, is the resolution and clarity through the mids and treble that creates a more palpable convincing soundstage that transforms me from the couch to the recording session....obviously it does vary from amp to amp, and tube to tube, but that's one of the stronger general traits that draw me to tube gear.  Many tube amps don’t have overpowering authoritative deep bass compared to a high watt SS amp (some do), but many have outstanding micro dynamics that create more concussive transient attacks from instruments like strings, piano, percussion and drums, guitar plucks, etc., that are part of that convincing transformation. Even my $250 Nobsound amp had some of those characterics....beefier, more prestigious amp circuits do also, but even more so. At least that’s part of what I hear from my tube amps that keeps me craving the sound of tube gear.

@ bpoletti

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.

And yet none (or almost none) actually achieve this. They all fall short of the theoretical ideal, regardless of how well they measure.  I think the key more accurately lies in where and how the distortions occur, because some amps are simply more convincing at portraying a music signal while driving a speaker.

@ avanti1960

It surprises me that people still talk mainly in terms of tonal balance when discussing tube amps. The warm, rolled off tube sound as it were. Forget about it! It isn’t what you want anyway. Modern tube sound is better than that. Tube sound is now about refinement, a sound that never fatigues or is edgy.

Couldn’t agree more. Very well said. If folks don’t listen past the tonal balance of a tube amp (which I suspect is usually the first thing most people notice about any system/room), they’re basically missing out on one of the strongest aspects they offer.