Tubes vs. Transistors 1972

[psbfan9]

First, I'm not trying to start a debate. I thought this article was interesting.

Butler Audio: Tubes vs. Transistors

I have noticed that most discussions are about transistor type amps when someone is looking for a multi channel amp. That led me to search or a multi channel tube amp because I didn't know if they existed.

Here are two multi channel tube amps from Butler Audio.

3 channel

Butler Audio

5 channel

Butler Audio

 

[3db]

The only advantage tubes have over transistors is that they are impervious to an EMP pulse such as that from an atomic bomb or from a solar storm.

 

[Solid-State]

Read this OP!

http://www.theaudiocritic.com/back_issues/The_Audio_Critic_26_r.pdf

 

[3db]

Read this OP!

http://www.theaudiocritic.com/back_issues/The_Audio_Critic_26_r.pdf

Although I'm not a tube proponent, I don't agree with the author's assessment of tube sound. The output of a tube amps are rich with even order harmonics which gives it a 'warm" sound espcially at clipping. That's wht there's an apeal for the tube sound. I'm not saying its right or wrong but that's just the way it is.

 

[cpp]

The output of a tube amps are rich with even order harmonics which gives it a 'warm" sound especially at clipping. That's why there's an appeal for the tube sound. I'm not saying its right or wrong but that's just the way it is.

Man that is why I love my tubes in my vintage 67 Fender Vibrolux Reverb

 

[Solid-State]

Although I'm not a tube proponent, I don't agree with the author's assessment of tube sound. The output of a tube amps are rich with even order harmonics which gives it a 'warm" sound espcially at clipping. That's wht there's an apeal for the tube sound. I'm not saying its right or wrong but that's just the way it is.

Sure and you can do the same with with Izotope's Ozone in DSP if so desired.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Although I'm not a tube proponent, I don't agree with the author's assessment of tube sound. The output of a tube amps are rich with even order harmonics which gives it a 'warm" sound espcially at clipping. That's wht there's an apeal for the tube sound. I'm not saying its right or wrong but that's just the way it is.

Yes, maybe so, except tubes are rich in both even and odd harmonics.
Perhaps FR and phase shifts adds to the mystique?

 

[Solid-State]

Yes, maybe so, except tubes are rich in both even and odd harmonics.
Perhaps FR and phase shifts adds to the mystique?

As does hookups that colour and mess with the signal!

 

[3db]

Yes, maybe so, except tubes are rich in both even and odd harmonics.
Perhaps FR and phase shifts adds to the mystique?

Odd harmonics are not a characteristic output of tube amps so I'm surprised you mentioned that. Phase shift? No more than a solid state amp.

 

[3db]

Sure and you can do the same with with Izotope's Ozone in DSP if so desired.

I hope you have a point because I do not see a correlation with the point I made about tube amps sounding differently than SS amps and your troll like response.

 

[mtrycrafts]

Odd harmonics are not a characteristic output of tube amps so I'm surprised you mentioned that. Phase shift? No more than a solid state amp.

Well, what I have read from those who test them, do see just as much odd harmonics.
just for one
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_sound

Perhaps you are thinking about the distortions when it clips? But, that is outside of proper operation and is only a special case.

 

[jinjuku]

Hey, my favorite musician:

 

[cpp]

jinjuku he's one of mine to. I enjoy the instrumentals in 'Ah Via Musicom'

 

[3db]

Well, what I have read from those who test them, do see just as much odd harmonics.
just for one
Tube sound - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Perhaps you are thinking about the distortions when it clips? But, that is outside of proper operation and is only a special case.

Thanks Mtrycrafts. maybe I'm thinking at the point of clipping. I read the article and I guess the harmonics depends on the class of amplifier topology used. Most of the time, tubes are used in the class where even order are more prevalent and thus incorrectly get labelled (like I have ) as producing only even order harmonics.

 

[jonnythan]

Tubes are great on a guitar amp. Really, really great. Not so much for home theater.

 

[wire]

Hey, my favorite musician:

Love my Sp3 , thanks to Audioholics , I am a tube amp lover , i would pick a tube amp over a solid state any day now

 

[mtrycrafts]

Thanks Mtrycrafts. maybe I'm thinking at the point of clipping. I read the article and I guess the harmonics depends on the class of amplifier topology used. Most of the time, tubes are used in the class where even order are more prevalent and thus incorrectly get labelled (like I have ) as producing only even order harmonics.

Unless you are doing this stuff on a daily base, I am don't, and do it hands on with instruments, hard to keep track of all the stuff about it

Also, reading other sources, distortion would also depend on single ended, or push-pull types too.

I'd also would like to see the study that shows even order is more pleasing when audible but not clipping Rather not rely on urban legends and myths