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Tube Amp. Power ratings

I'm a solid state guy intrigued with tube setups....Is this like everything else in Audiophilia, Eye (or ear) of the beholder? ....Would you always have a tube pre-amp with tube amp? In general terms how do tube amps differ? Warmer?...mellower....And what about the output ratings? The tube ratings seem much lower than SS...Is that the nature of the beast?....
kippster

Showing 3 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>The pwr. of tube amps decreases rapidly once the spkr. impedence deviates from the output tap being used<<

Not true. In the case of a 12 ohm load connected to an OTL amp, for example, the output power actually increases.

Conversely, the power output of a solid state amp decreases as the impedance increases.

The door swings both ways.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>OTLs are an exception to the rule being designed for 8 ohms or greater<<

Exception or not, it invalidates your initial assertion.

Furthermore, there are OTL amps that handle 4 ohm loads with ease.

Sorry.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Inefficiency, phase angle, and price were not parameters in your initial argument so feel free to change the rules as we play the game.

One more time and then I'm out there are OTL, even push-pull and SET, amps that will easily handle 4 ohm loads.

Hasta la vista baby.
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