? Tubes vs. SS Class A
- Thread starter crouse
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
mhardy6647
Lunatic Member
Are you asking Class A (SE or PP) tubes to Class A SS, or any kind of tube topology to tube SS?
I am pretty devoted to Class A, single-ended vacuum tube amplification using triode output tubes with directly heated filaments (DHT SET).
Why? With appropriate loudspeakers, it sounds like real life.
I am pretty devoted to Class A, single-ended vacuum tube amplification using triode output tubes with directly heated filaments (DHT SET).
Why? With appropriate loudspeakers, it sounds like real life.
I just had my first real listen to a class A Yamaha this evening this evening but have no experience at all with tube. All I can say that little Yamaha CA-1000 made some Dahlquist DQM-9's pop with detail like crazy. (Brought the vocalist to stand right there in front of you and retreat right back for the guitar solos....incredible.) Sure the mix had most to do with that but the clarity was dynamic and those speaks did it justice!
BadassBob
Digitally rendered
Ill echo that statement. :yes:
fpitas
Committed dilettante
Nothing wrong with the sound of a good tube amp when the tubes are in good repair, and few SS amps sound as clean; but SS is catching up:
http://www.ultraaudio.com/index.php/equipment-menu/300-first-watt-j2-stereo-amplifier
Summary
I expected Nelson Pass’s First Watt J2 power amplifier to be almost as good as a good tube amplifier, but it wasn’t -- it was better than most tube amps I’ve tried. It’s possible to find better-sounding tube amps, but you’d better be prepared to part with a lot more cash.
http://www.ultraaudio.com/index.php/equipment-menu/300-first-watt-j2-stereo-amplifier
Summary
I expected Nelson Pass’s First Watt J2 power amplifier to be almost as good as a good tube amplifier, but it wasn’t -- it was better than most tube amps I’ve tried. It’s possible to find better-sounding tube amps, but you’d better be prepared to part with a lot more cash.
Last edited:
A lot depends upon what speakers you are driving. Tubes produce voltage, but are not typically able to produce a lot of current. SS amps are better for driving "difficult" low impedence speakers. Also, if the speakers are inefficient, they will require a lot more power to achieve the output level that you may desire, and most tube amps are lower powered. You can buy big ones, but be prepared to spend some $$$. For any system to sound good, you have to have "synergy" amongst all the components.
Evaluate your needs... power, current, etc. and do some listening...
I have really low impedence "difficult" speakers, so I use SS amps, but incorporate tubes into the front end via my preamps and sources--kind of the "best of both worlds" for my needs/preferences.
Evaluate your needs... power, current, etc. and do some listening...
I have really low impedence "difficult" speakers, so I use SS amps, but incorporate tubes into the front end via my preamps and sources--kind of the "best of both worlds" for my needs/preferences.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
I like 2a3 SETs for full range main drivers but my choice for large woofers are class D plate amps. The Topping t-amp drives the tweets in this 3 way.
sebrof
Super Member
I believe it's class AB
http://www.classicaudio.com/value/yam/CA1K.html
I didn't respond to the OP because I'm not sure I've ever heard a class A SS amp. Not many around. The only ones I can think of are the Pass Aleph stuff.
What else is there, class A SS?
EDIT: Oh yeah, I forgot about Monarchy. Thanks jimfet
Last edited:
No, It depends on to many factors to make a broad assumption like that. I have owned High powered McIntosh SS gear, lower powered McIntosh tube gear, and now higher powered McIntosh tube gear. I have achieved excellent results with all of my systems. My current tube system did an excellent job of bringing out the soundstage in a very good recording of Mahlers 2nd this weekend. I don't feel the need to rush out and get a SS system any time soon.
mhardy6647
Lunatic Member
For the OP's benefit - if you haven't heard even a cheap "Class T" (Tripath chipset - or whatever the current equivalent is) amplifier; it's well worth a listen to one.
I have one of the uber-cheap ones from Parts Express and it holds its own against SE 2A3 (and is in fact noticeably more extended in HF - albeit a tad fizzy - compared to the SE 2A3 amp I use as my daily driver).
There are fine sounding ss Class A amplifiers; AKer Beemer has lovely older Mark Levinson (real Mark Levinson) high power class A monoblocks that are just superb).
I have one of the uber-cheap ones from Parts Express and it holds its own against SE 2A3 (and is in fact noticeably more extended in HF - albeit a tad fizzy - compared to the SE 2A3 amp I use as my daily driver).
There are fine sounding ss Class A amplifiers; AKer Beemer has lovely older Mark Levinson (real Mark Levinson) high power class A monoblocks that are just superb).
BadassBob
Digitally rendered
There are too many factors to consider to make such a generalization. I dont listen to orchestral-type music, but I do listen to primarily electronica, and my 6B4Gs have no trouble keeping up. Big output transformers will produce deeper bass, as well as larger efficient drivers in a proper cabinet. The type of the components used will determine the end result.
Luxman also makes some.
I just received my first Class A amp Friday, a Monarchy SM 70 Pro and teamed it up with my Altec 19's and I am real happy with the results after running my tube mono-blocks for many months. The Class A has a nice smooth, warm sound & tight bass. Definitely the best sounding SS amp I've tried with the 19's. I'd like to try a SET sometime.
