Quote:
Originally posted by andrzejpw
could you elaborate on that? |
I don't get asked to do THAT very often.
But ok, you asked.
I don't believe solid states are inheritly "cleaner" than tube based equipment. I can't help but feel that this is another perpetuated myth. It's reminiscent of people saying that CDs sound perfect or that an mp3 sounds just like a CD or that all interconnects sound the same. *innocent look*
Alright so my point is this--solid state amps have distortions. Tube amps have distortions. People smarter than me can tell you how they tend to differ and why. People even dumber than me can hear the distortions from both types of technologies.
In lower end tube amps, I tend to hear murky muddy sound that is sluggish, rolled off and blurred. In higher end tube amps, this stereotype tends to betray itself. Let me assure you that if Kelly were wealthy, Kelly would have a high end tube amp. I'm not saying no solid state could ever be as good as the best tube amps, but I sure haven't heard them yet.
In lower end solid state amps, I tend to hear thin, harsh sound that is grating, biting and hazy. In higher end solid state amps, this stereotype tends to betray itself. Let me assure you that while Kelly would be happy if the best tube amps were somewhat affordable that the distance between them and good solid state amps is narrowing all the time and that really really good solid state amps can be had for a lot less money than the really good tube amps. So for me, it's a cost issue.
My advice is to try to get past the stereotypes. I've heard solid state amps that were too smooth and rolled off. I've heard tube amps that were harsh and grainy. --and yes, even in the limited number of headphone amps there are, these stereotypes break down.
The reason for my post was that it's disturbing to me that the overwhelming belief amongst fellow HeadFiers seems to be that a clean transparent sound can only be achieved by solid state amps when I myself have heard really expensive tube amps come close to that and seen very many amps of both varieties fall far short of it.