3 ms·

This reminds me very much of some studies where audiophiles did double blind tests of various solid state amps against tube amps. Some audiophiles say that the

This reminds me very much of some studies where audiophiles did double blind tests of various solid state amps against tube amps. Some audiophiles say that the tube amps sound "warmer", maybe they like 60hz hum. Whatever. Tube amps look cool and that is what is really important to them I think much in the same way that it is a huge status symbol to have an old violin. Same thing I think. Not that there is anything wrong with that, you get your inspiration in whatever way works I think.

userbinator 13y ago
The difference between tubes and basic transistor amps is very noticeable if you know what to listen for, especially when they're used at volumes loud enough to cause distortion, and this is definitely measurable scientifically. Some people do like the fuzzier, "warmer" sound (the hum is part of that) that tubes have.
praptak 13y ago
The "warmer" effect is not the hum. I have read it's how the amps process harmonics (odd ones vs even ones) and that this effect is actually measurable through testing equipment.
- 72deluxe 13y ago
  It's the fifth harmonic isn't it? I would disagree with zw123456's "whatever" with regard to analogue systems. (It isn't just the look of valves - they keep your room warm too!)
  - praptak 13y ago
    Well, uh, it seems much more complicated than I remembered: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_sound#Harmonic_content_and_distortion http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tube_sound#Harmonic_content_a...