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 1 response by pindac

The Days when a Valve Amp was with a Bass Bloom and Richness are no longer with us.
There are Valve Amp's that can offer a perception of Tranparency with the most taut Bass.

The Days of SS Amp's being Excruciatingly Transparent and Clinically Incisive are no longer with us.
There are SS Amp's that have a presentation that can create a perception of a Transparent / Clean performance that entices relaxation.

I am a Individual who has a Long History with Valve Amplification and was Predujudiced to SS Amplification, I could not embrace the presentation.

I am a convert today, my willingness to Travel and Meet other
'Like Minded' HiFi folk in their own environments and hear their offerings
has been extremely fruitful to my perceptions and opened up New Thoughts for the better, when it comes to SS vs Valves.
      
The Following is a edit of a Post I put onto another Thread.

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I have listened to your latest youtube presentations and am left with the usual good impressions that you are regularly creating,  and left with the wish to hear the System in the Room.

With the Soulution Amplifier now used within Jay's System, I can now say I am familiar with this 'Brand' as a Pre Amp' and Mono Block Power Amp' arrangement and have Auditioned them with both CD and Vinyl Sources through Maxonic TW1100 Mk II Speakers.

I can't say how the Amp' Set Up I have very much enjoyed when heard, compares to Jay's own Set Up.
One is heard via Youtube and the other in a Dedicated Listening Room.

I would like to think I have an impression in my mind of what is on offer,
due to my experience of being present when auditioning one of the
Systems .

I have heard the Soulution Amp's used to audition a variety of devices,
some owned by myself, more so, I have heard them compared to a selection of Power Amplification from Commercial 211 Valves through to OTL Valve and Kit Built DIY Solid State.

The Soulution Amp's are the Resident Amps in use at a HiFi Club Event
I periodically visit, where members assemble from throughout the UK
to present their projects they are working with.

The Soulution Amp's I have heard are, as said, very impressive and can captivate a audience when the Source and Speakers in use is a match for their performance capabilities.

I know Jay is only interested in off the shelf products, even though some are obscure and not easy to source.
As a result the following might not appeal to his plans for presentations.

A few years past I have heard a Neurochrome Monoblock Power Amplication in use at the HiFi Club Event as one of the Amp's on a Demonstration.

The Neurochrome's Demonstration was also a comparison to the
Soulution Monoblock Power Amp's, as these were in use prior to the Amp' exchange.

For the Short Duration of the presentation, the performance qualities between the Soulution / Neurochrome were almost indistinguishable,
the two separate performances were extremely close.

How this would be reported on as a extended comparison in a Home System might effect the outcome of the report.

I know one thing that is assured,  the cost of a Neurochrome and how it delivers is very attractive.

The cost differences between the Neurochrome and other reputable Branded Power Amp's is broad.
The Bang for Buck, VFM, element attached to the Neurochrome is a much wanted commodity.

Since the Event referred to above, there has been a number of reports sent out by different individuals about their experience with the Neurochrome Amp's.
With the result being, that a run on Neurochrome Builds has been taking place within the UK.
I have been fortunate to have been able to hear a couple of different build versions ( prior to Covid ) in a few different systems.
When compared to other Power Amplification that has been in use, both Valve and Solid State, each build version of teh Neurochrome under audition has been capable of leaving a positive impression and good memory.

I would encourage a Neurochrome Audition, 'if a audtion is possible to create' , as it might just prove a valuable offering as a option to your site visitors that can't extend their budgets to the limits of the usual equipment under review.