2. amps-preamps
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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 2 responses by redwoodaudio

redwoodaudio
415 posts
 
@felixa - interesting explanation

In a SS amp the voltage rail is fixed and if the impedance rises the power dissipated in the speaker is reduced.In a tube amp, the tube acts as a voltage regulator. Under rising load, the tube will reduce its internal resistance to allow more voltage to be drop on the load thus maintaining or increasing the power output.
redwoodaudio
415 posts
 
Until I started using a Nagra PSA solid state amp from Switzerland, I thought my tube amps were the best. Similar to what people are saying about the AGD, the transparency is even better and the Nagra has what my tube amps never did. In my experience, at least. 
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