TWL, FWIW I just acquired a new integrated tube unit w/35WPC that I think was made by Fletcher-Munson for low level listening. :-) Its a "powerhouse" at low volumes and thats all I use it for - casual, low volume, listening.
Low level res more inherent in tubes?
A post re: what sound level do you listen at got me thinking. I noticed a high percentage responding they listen in the 80-85 db range. I checked my system and room with a variety of music and rarely found a need to go beyond 70db to achieve a satisfying sound, unless a few adult beverages were consumed, then it went a bit higher.
This is with a current integrated tube setup- I thought back to some previous SS amps and remembered a tendency (or a need) to play the music louder, sometimes much louder to achieve a certain satisfaction of sound. To me, the current amp is better at conveying details at lower sound levels.
So, I guess the bottom line is- Is there such a thing as good low level res or microdynamics from SS power? How far up the SS amp food chain do you need to go to get it?
Or is it just more inherent in tube amplification?
Or- would it have more to do with the tube pre-amp within the system?
This is with a current integrated tube setup- I thought back to some previous SS amps and remembered a tendency (or a need) to play the music louder, sometimes much louder to achieve a certain satisfaction of sound. To me, the current amp is better at conveying details at lower sound levels.
So, I guess the bottom line is- Is there such a thing as good low level res or microdynamics from SS power? How far up the SS amp food chain do you need to go to get it?
Or is it just more inherent in tube amplification?
Or- would it have more to do with the tube pre-amp within the system?
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- 12 posts total
Thanks all for your kind words- I've been involved as a beer judge for twenty years and know the associated lingo. I would love to find an audiophile glossary that could enhance my ability to convey what I am hearing- rather than using the beer judging words such as 'Skunky, Phenolic, Diacetyl, or my favorite - Baby's Butt' ;-) Anybody know where to find such a glossary? |
Missing some of the newer lexicon, but still extensive, is the glossery J. Gordon Holt assembled: http://www.stereophile.com//reference/50/index.html For a hardcopy reference, Robert Harley's "Complete Guide to High End Audio" has an extensive audio glossery: http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=BM1SV2 . |
See http://www.stereophile.com/reference/50 and links therein, e.g. http://www.stereophile.com/reference/50/index1.html. |
- 12 posts total