tube watts vs solid state watts


(newbie here)...Does a 60 tube watt amplifier produce the same perceived "loudness" as a 60 watt solid state amplifier with the same speaker/preamp level?
samuellaudio

Showing 1 response by cinematic_systems

Distortion sounds approximately 10 times (6-8dB) louder to the human ear than an undistorted signal at the same output, so the perceived "loudness" of an amplifier will be directly related to the amount of TH-distortion in the signal. Just look at Stereophile measurments for your answer. If the amplifier generates more signal (THD) then it is outputing more signal at the "same" wattage output.

Its really quite simple. The Halcro is the "quietest" amplifier of them all.

Speakers will do the same thing adding even more volume to the sound especially when the signal is already distorted, more THD the louder its perceived sound, its really quite logical if you think about it.