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Tube Watts vs. Solid State Watts - Any credence?

I've heard numerous times that Tube watts are not the same as Solid State watts when it comes to amps running speakers. For example, a 70 watt tube amp provides more power than a 140 watt solid state amp. Is there any credence to this or just sales talk and misguided listeners? If so, how could this be? One reason I ask is a lot of speakers recommend 50 - 300 watts of amplification but many stores have 35 watt tube amps or 50 watts tube amps running them. More power is usually better to run speakers, so why am I always hearing this stuff about a tube watt is greater than a solid state watt?
djfst
ebm
5,165 posts
 
So sorry goodbye .
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cleeds
2,065 posts
 
10-10-15: Czarivey
"tube amps have no bass hence it's power mostly applied towards mids and highs while the solid state amps go full range."

You couldn't be more mistaken! In fact, some tube amplifiers are known for their excellent LF response.
djfst OP
163 posts
 
Completely agree with everyone about the bass - if you get the right tubes, bass is certainly never lacking. Actually, with tubes, you have more flexibility to tailor it to your tastes. Certainly more tubes with have different sonic characteristics but if you want bass, I would not suggest shying away from bass. It's all preference at the end of the day.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
I think bass response with either tubes or ss, might depend more on how the speakers used with them handle damping. With that said; in my experience, dynamic speakers with lower impedance numbers mated with ss amps that can double down typically have superior bass response.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
I believe Atmasphere mentioned once particular B&W speakers consisting of lower efficiency 4 ohm bass speakers with higher efficiency 8 ohm midrange and tweeter. Speaker has great bass when amplifier doubles current on 4 ohm speaker, but not so great when driven by tube amp that doesn't do that.
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