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the classic tube sound & the modern tube sound

as a hobbyist since 1965, i have noticed the disappearnace of the classic tube sound, and the emrgence of the modern tube sound. the classic tube sound is exemplified by early conrad johnson amps and preamps, such as the pv 1 and premier 3 and the mv 45, mv 75 and mv 125, audio research sp 3, sp 6, cary audio slp 70 and mac gear of the 60's.

most preamps in production today, manufactured by cary audio, audio research, conrad johnson, art audio, etc., are attempts by designers to produce preamps and amps which are "neutral".

are we better off with the modern tube sound, or do you miss the vintage tube sound ?

which do you prefer and why ?
mrtennis

Showing 1 response by elevick

elevick
2,636 posts
 
I was told that the differences may be due to the upgrades in both sources and speakers. Vintage gear was not being fed by high end sources which reproduce much more of the audio spectrum accurately. The speakers many of us are using make a huge difference too. Compare the average speaker today to most of the speakers made in the 60's. We are demanding 20hz to 20khz response as a minimum. Try to get that out of an old pair of Bozaks? The designs had to change/improve.

That old "tubey" sound was due to us listening mainly to really nice warm midrange and not much more.
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