2. amps-preamps
  3. 1444360076

Tube Watts vs. Solid State Watts - Any credence?

I've heard numerous times that Tube watts are not the same as Solid State watts when it comes to amps running speakers. For example, a 70 watt tube amp provides more power than a 140 watt solid state amp. Is there any credence to this or just sales talk and misguided listeners? If so, how could this be? One reason I ask is a lot of speakers recommend 50 - 300 watts of amplification but many stores have 35 watt tube amps or 50 watts tube amps running them. More power is usually better to run speakers, so why am I always hearing this stuff about a tube watt is greater than a solid state watt?
djfst

Showing 5 responses by unsound

unsound
7,344 posts
 
^sensitivity 91 dB, 4 Ohm nominal.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
It might actually be true that: "...a 70 Watt tube amp provides more power than a 140 Watt solid stat amp." if used on speakers with an impedance of over 16 Ohms.
But, selecting an amp involves more than just this issue, there are other variables to consider.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
I think bass response with either tubes or ss, might depend more on how the speakers used with them handle damping. With that said; in my experience, dynamic speakers with lower impedance numbers mated with ss amps that can double down typically have superior bass response.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
Czarivey, your insensitivity is only exceeded by your ignorance.
unsound
7,344 posts
 
Djfst, I do believe your original question has been answered.
Without knowing the minimum impedance and phase angle of your speakers, as well as the dimensions, etc. of your listening room and volume levels you hope to achieve, it's problematic to provide quality technical assistance.
With what you have provided, IMHO a conservative recommendation to start with(?), might be to use a ss amp rated at 100 Watts that can double down, or a tube amp that's rated at 200 Watts.
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