Why do Tube Amps sound more romantic v SS amps


Question newbie on tube amps, why are tube amps according to people who own them say the sound is more say romantic sound vs SS amp ? 

What is better to own cost wise sound advantage single ended and push pull ?

Thanks guys excuse my inexperience on the tube issue.

128x128aseaman007

Showing 4 responses by pindac

I have heard in an extremely expensive system, through £75 000 Speakers Soulution Amplification, and a Very Expensive 211 Valve Power Amp design.

Along with these in the same day od demonstrations I have been demonstrated DIY OTL Amps, a DIY SS Monoblock Amp which was Two Power Supplies and Two Output Modules and a Monoblock Design of a DIY Built Neurochrome Amp.

Each was able to impress in the system, some were noticeably different, but were able to present very well due to the Speakers matching very well.

From recollection for the Money and Performance on offer, the Neurochrome won the day, it was hard to suggest the Soulution Power Amp's were a better performance, using the limited time for each demo'.

I have been demonstrated a selection of DIY Built Neurochrome Amp's since, from the lowest powered model to the maximum powered model. These are extremely competent and have my full endorsement. I have even suggested they may become my retired years when I put the Valve Amp's in the System to bed for good.        

A Tube and a Transistor that superseded it, both have specific role to play in a topology belonging to the signal path, there is a sonic trait that can be described as being quite similar to both of these designs when the Topology and Circuit Design is well executed.

As a result of the limits to the role a Valve or Transistor is to fulfill, there is a detection of a difference to a sonic, when compared to a more modern design that is using parts such as Semi-Conductors that have superseded both Tubes and Transistors.

The Semi-Conductor has a multi-function role, which is specified through circuit design, to more than one role in a topology. It is this multi-role that has a noticeable sonic trait in comparison to a Tube or Transistor Amplifier.

It could be said the more the Semi-Conductor is competing for the multi-function within the working circuit, the more the Sonic Trait from the part in use is noticed.    

@juanmanuelfangioii Is there a misunderstanding going on, do you assume I am an individual without an interest in tube amplification?

Where there is room to differ is that SS being just OK is very subjective as a statement.

The preference for a design is unique to each individual, 'each to their own', when it comes down to how a Schematic and Topology leaves an impression on a person.   

@pindac Tube DAC, Tube Phono Pre. 

SS is okay, just okay. 

In the field of electronics and sound production, HiFi has a requirement to produce and electronics that is purifying the sound being produced.

All other electronics produced for sound production are usually designed to distort sound in some shape or form, or control sound that is to be recorded.

In the world of listening to music where electronics are involved, it is nearly all listening to the Gear and the Sound that is a result of the Gear.

Meet an Acoustic Guitarist Performing in an Open Place with only the guitar, is as natural a sound as one can hope for, meet the same Acoustic Guitar and a Microphone and Amp is involved, not so Natural a Sound, meet the same Acoustic Guitar Plugged into an Amp and sound produced via a speaker, not natural.

Meet an Electric Guitar plugged into a selection of foot peddle sound control boxes and Amp, listened to through Speakers, definitely listening to the Sound produced by the Gear, as a result of the Guitarists capabilities.

Put any of the above into a recording studio, and through a mixing consul.

Well the gist is outlined.