Tube vs. Solid State Amplifiers


I found this really good link regarding the differences:

https://www.caryaudio.com/2018/06/04/vacuum-tube-vs-solid-state/

I've heard some (who are much more knowledgeable than me) say that a tube amp and solid state amp which are rated at the same output power in practice will not drive a speaker to the same level, that in selecting amplifier power levels, you would get similar results from lower powered tube amps.

I thought it would be interesting to see what those who know much more about this subject would contribute to this discussion.
ejr1953

Showing 4 responses by mglik

I learned a lot and radically improved my system after my AG thread,
”Is there a SS amp that can satisfy a SET guy?”.
I did discover a few and have forever moved away from 8 watts of 300B. I found a SS Class D amp that, with super low distortion and amazing detail, has become my last amp... the AGD Audion mono blocks. Not only do I have more than enough power for my speakers, I hear SQ never imagined. I have never heard a sound that was as smooth and musical as great SET and a clear window into the music. And, incredibly, now there is no such thing as a “bad” record. The AGD when combined with my speakers and the rest of a lovely system uncovers the musical essence in every LP. This is something that I have never experienced with any amp in 50 years.
All the AGD owners I have communicated with and all the reviewers have had the exact same experience.
The AGDs are transformative. Different from other Class D based on the only GAN MOSFET designed for Audio. Patented. Right now listening to an Opera recording. Never cared that much for it. I never wanted to hear all that screeching. Now hearing the emotion, the dynamics and an overall SQ that brings goose bumps!
The current price for the Audions is $8350. The performance is worth $83500!
@lewinskih01 
I lived with 300B and 45 SET for many years.
The SS vs SET thread got me to understand that there was at least one SS amp that could satisfy me-Bakoon. I bought their headphone amp. They create a clear window into the music without any SS negatives. However, the AGDs create a sound that goes to an even higher level. I hear the humanity of the musicians before unheard. SETs have a beautiful and musical sound. But when almost all of the distortion is removed and most of the detail is present the whole picture is transformed. Listening goes from a fun and pleasurable experience to a religious one. Transparency!
It would be hard to find a more dedicated tube guy. For decades, all I wanted to listen to was SETs. 300B and 45. Nothing was more musical and enjoyable. Nothing until AGD. I don’t miss the SET sound at all. In fact, I will never go back to tubes at all. After 50 years of audiophilia constantly upgrading I am done. Especially my amps… never any other then AGD.