tube amp vs. solid state?

Question

whats the difference between these? and which do u perfer?

Answer 1

Each has its own benefits. Both can yield great results, but we must remember they are just one component in a chain that's involved to actually bring the sound to your ear.

Solid state amps are almost requisite in large passive sub-woofers. In home theater and electronic based music, solid state amps reign supreme. (drum and bass, ambient, and rap to name just a few) They are usually more dynamic. (difference between the softest and loudest sounds the amp is capable of playing at a set volume) They are generally quieter at idle if paired with a quality preamp. If you are forced to listen in a less than quiet environment this bonus can be lost.

Tube amp is particularly suited for mids and highs. They will give you a much fuller, warmer sound. This type of amp will be less true to the original recording, but will also be more forgiving of a poorly recorded one. They will add more of their own sonic signature to the mix. They are usually not dead quiet at idle.

If using tube amps, a more efficient speaker is usually the order of the day. Although powerful tube amps are available at a premium.

They make "warmer" sounding solid state amps as well. Which can be very convincing as tube amps.

Don't forget, tubes do burn out. But a bonus of being able to change them is trying different types. This can allow you to more closely tailor the sound to your liking.

Speaker choice, component matching and choice of source component (digital or analog) are also important considerations which are worth investigating.

Hope this helps. Audiogon is a pretty nice forum to try also. Remember, it's what you hear that matters in the end.

Answer 2

tub warmer in sound and actual heat. They both have their strong points some prefer tube amps over solid state for stereo listening but solid has dominated the Home theater market for a few decades.

Answer 3

Hi there .Both tube and solid state amplification can sound very good.And also very bad.Before the advent of transistorised amplifiers valve amplifiers were all we had.The biggest problem with tube equipment is the high amount of heat generated Also they are not very efficient in their output as a lot of energy is lost to heat. They are particularly suited to highly efficient bright sounding speakers such as Klipsch. As far as sound quality between the two, a lot of audiophiles prefer the "sound" of valves saying it is more pleasing to the ear.Some say the sound is "warmer"particularly in the mid range frequencies where most of the music belongs They say the treble is "sweeter "and less "harsh" than solid state and the bass is "softer".And of course you have others saying solid state is more "accurate." than tubes .Harmonic distortion is higher in tube amps than solid state but it appears not to distract from the music too much.

The first solid state amps did not take off very well as the sound was easily detected as inferior to valves But they gradually got better where the differences were less obvious I personally prefer the "valve "sound,but like nearly everyone else i have learnt to accept solid state .

Answer 4

typically a tube amp will sound much warmer, but they require some time to "warm up" and typicaly the power they put out is a bit lower than solid state, and they create alot of heat. and they cost a substantial amount.
Solid state typically looses the sound quality war, but is so much more convient, it fires right up, can provide an astounding amount of power, and cost is much lower, and typically the average home theater buyer will not notice the sound iproovements.

Answer 5

I assume you're talking about guitar amps? I don't know of any sources for new home theater or home stereo tub amplifiers. Too much heat; equipment literally burns up over time. Plus, I suspect solid state is more cost effective to manufacture.