In Reply to: Re: tube instantaneous power v. solid state posted by Lee Lipman on April 13, 2007 at 09:48:39:
In addition to softer clipping, tube amplifiers usually clip as a result of the power tube grids being overdriven. This causes asymmetrical, even-order distortion. In small amounts, <5% or so, such distortion causes an amplifier to sound louder to the human ear. Transistor amplifiers, on the other hand, usually clip because the output devices have reached the power supply "rails." This causes hard, symmetrical clipping and generates an abundance of odd-order spectra. It does not sound louder, only harsher.
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
Follow Ups
- Another possibility... - Triode_Kingdom 13:21:53 04/13/07 (0)