2. amps-preamps
  3. 1444360076

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
mapman's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
mapman
15,679 posts
 
Sorry I know nothing about what tubes will work best there. Others probably will. Cheers and good luck!
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
8,673 posts
 
Djfst, the differences in power which you cited all amount to less than 1 db, in most cases much less than 1 db, which is negligible. Even a doubling of power would amount to only 3 db, which while easily perceptible is not a huge increase.

In addition to researching which of those tubes others have reported to be preferable in the particular amp from a sonic standpoint, preferably with SF speakers, you might try asking Kevin Deal at Upscale Audio for his recommendation. In addition to being a very knowledgeable seller of tubes, he is the USA importer/distributor for PrimaLuna.

Regards,
-- Al
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
The EL34 has a very good reputation in the sound department. A lot depends on how well the ultra-linear taps on the transformer are executed; if done correctly the linearity is just about the same as triode so my vote is for the EL34 in ultralinear mode, assuming the transformer is designed correctly.
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
85W vs 70W 5.7% loudness increase
45W vs 40W 3.4% loudness increase
unsound
6,115 posts
 
Djfst, I do believe your original question has been answered.
Without knowing the minimum impedance and phase angle of your speakers, as well as the dimensions, etc. of your listening room and volume levels you hope to achieve, it's problematic to provide quality technical assistance.
With what you have provided, IMHO a conservative recommendation to start with(?), might be to use a ss amp rated at 100 Watts that can double down, or a tube amp that's rated at 200 Watts.
More to discover