2. amps-preamps
  3. 157268-5435

Why don’t tube amps sound like tubes anymore?

When I hear the latest tube amps I’m more reminded of what a solid state amp sounds like than what I remember a tube amp once sounded like. I say that, with most tube amps I hear today, but not all. Gone seems to be the lush tones, warm glow and natural harmonics I used to hear. What I hear is more of a thoroughbred, faster, sharper sound when I listen to a modern tube design today. Then why use tubes?
hiendmmoe

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

avanti1960
1,545 posts
 
I still greatly prefer the sound of tubes vs solid state.  I also prefer the current, more neutral tube sound- however you can modify that with small signal preamp and input tubes.  
The reasons I use them-
1) they give you a much larger, spacious sound stage
2) the ability to alter the tone and quality with different tubes
3) typically greater transparency
4) a more refined sound, especially in the treble.  this is a key reason for me.  the modern tube sound is still ultra smooth and refined compared to comparable solid state amps.  
More to discover