2. amps-preamps
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Tube amps have a signature sound

Hi folks, this is a bit controversial issue. We all know that nowadays none of the tube amps exhibits the "typical tube sound" (what is the typical tube sound anyway?). If someone says: tube amps have a signature sound, others would say that this signature sound is not typical to tube amps. Well, imho there is something with many tube amps (pre and poweramps). They sound quite fluid, especially in the midrange. The midrange itself is often a bit bigger and more forward than the typical solid state amplifiers. This midrange has also a certain "natural" quality (harmonic richness?). Of course there are tube amps that sound like solid state and solid state amps that sound like tube amps, but in the end I have to admit that many (or most) tube pre and poweramps have a "signature" sound that is somehow related to implementation of tubes in the circuitry. I think that this is also the reason why some manufacturers prefer tube over solid state circuitries. What do you think?

Chris
dazzdax

Showing 1 response by amfibius

amfibius
282 posts
 
Kurt Strain - love your reply and was hanging on to every word. Had to re-read your replies a couple of times before I finally got it.

Another factor worth mentioning is that the input impedance (Zin) of a typical valve power amplifier is usually about 100kOhm. A typical SS power amp is usually about 20kOhm.

This means that the valve amp will require less current to tickle the valve into action. Depending on the output impedance (Zout) of your preamp (the ratio of preamp ZOut / poweramp Zin determines current flow) - you will find that power amps with lower Zin are more resolving of low level signals. Which may be another explanation why I have observed that valve amplifiers seem to resolve more detail and create a better soundstage.
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