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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
andrew9405
225 posts
 
Watt's on second.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
14,147 posts
 
Czarivey, good question. Yes, they're better, too.
czarivey
4,494 posts
 
...but can you give algebraic or geometrical representation so everyone can understand?
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Geof will then rewrite all the textbooks on the subject as well I'm sure. :^}
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Bottom line is watts matter be you tube or SS but you gotta take all power specifications with a grain of salt because no specification completely and accurately tells you whats happening in regards to distortion, which all amps produce to some extent and in different ways, some less offensively than others. Neither SS or tubes own the game in this regard.
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