Why do tube amps often subjectively sound more powerful than SS ?

In my case, VAC Avatar SE integrated 60 watt/ch in ultralinear mode feels like double the power at least. Same speakers, same source, same cables and power cords.

inna03-17-2025 3:53am

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noromance Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 10,090 posts 03-17-2025 at 04:30am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Tubes can have more headroom, softer clipping, and their harmonic distortion adds to the perception of loudness. And they’re just more awesome.
mikhailark Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 387 posts 03-17-2025 at 04:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Perhaps it is simply more sensitive at input voltage and just sounds louder?
daveyf Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,012 posts 03-17-2025 at 04:34am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Maybe because the particular tube amp you are enjoying has a great transformer....;0)

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