Solid State vs. Tube
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59paul
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
A very basic and simple analogy:
A Tube amp is Rich in even order harmonics ( very pleasing to the ear ).
A solid state amp is not.
If you look at the wave produced by a tube, it is round. ( much more Musical ).
If you look at the wave given off by solid state circuitry, it is jagged.
I personally prefer Tube amps, because of their warm, round, full and Musical Tone. .......................
A very basic and simple analogy:
A Tube amp is Rich in even order harmonics ( very pleasing to the ear ).
A solid state amp is not.
If you look at the wave produced by a tube, it is round. ( much more Musical ).
If you look at the wave given off by solid state circuitry, it is jagged.
I personally prefer Tube amps, because of their warm, round, full and Musical Tone. .......................
what?
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
my SS marshall MG15CD has a Frequency-Dampening-Doohickey that makes it switch from solidstate to tube sound... tube is kinda, hot like a stovetop, solid is hot like open flame, to me.
besides, i had a bad experience with tubes... when i first was starting to learn to play, i plugged into a tube amp, (it was about 3 years ago, so i didnt know what i was doing) i strummedd the git, and POW!! blew a tube. scared me to death. i went solid state after that. dunno, the whole thing scared me...
my SS marshall MG15CD has a Frequency-Dampening-Doohickey that makes it switch from solidstate to tube sound... tube is kinda, hot like a stovetop, solid is hot like open flame, to me.
besides, i had a bad experience with tubes... when i first was starting to learn to play, i plugged into a tube amp, (it was about 3 years ago, so i didnt know what i was doing) i strummedd the git, and POW!! blew a tube. scared me to death. i went solid state after that. dunno, the whole thing scared me...
F
Forbes
Guest
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
Tube definately offers (what most consider to be) a far better quality of sound. Tubes are generally smoother, but have to be pushed a bit to get them going. The reason i (and most others) use Solid State is because tube amps are more expensive, and also with solid state you can practice at low volumes keeping the same tone. I'm fairly sure most guys here will tell you that they prefere tube amps.
Tube definately offers (what most consider to be) a far better quality of sound. Tubes are generally smoother, but have to be pushed a bit to get them going. The reason i (and most others) use Solid State is because tube amps are more expensive, and also with solid state you can practice at low volumes keeping the same tone. I'm fairly sure most guys here will tell you that they prefere tube amps.
Guitarist
Mesa-ologist
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
This is a good post, all correct information given there. I also think that most would agree that different situations call for different measures. For home use, obviously, I would use a S/S amplifier to achieve good tone at lower volumes because of the fact that tube amplifiers do, ordinarily, have to be pushed to some volume to let their roar out. So, that leaves the live situations, which I would definetely choose a tube amplifier, to me, it sounds like sterile, machine like, and edgy. The glass gives me the smoothness, warmth, and somewhat more of an airy tone. Definetely more pleasing to my ears. One more vote for the tubes!
:fing2: I being one of them!!Forbes said:
This is a good post, all correct information given there. I also think that most would agree that different situations call for different measures. For home use, obviously, I would use a S/S amplifier to achieve good tone at lower volumes because of the fact that tube amplifiers do, ordinarily, have to be pushed to some volume to let their roar out. So, that leaves the live situations, which I would definetely choose a tube amplifier, to me, it sounds like sterile, machine like, and edgy. The glass gives me the smoothness, warmth, and somewhat more of an airy tone. Definetely more pleasing to my ears. One more vote for the tubes!
Mr Wolf
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
At home i use a solid state for the obvious volume reasons. When playing with band or live i prefer tube tone, overall smoother, more of a 'living' sound compared with the more 2 dimentional SS sound. I believe one day SS/modelling technology would be as good as tubes, like digital and 35mm film cameras. It is all progressing and i wouldnt be surprised if people started using SS in favour of tubes if they became good. advantages such as weight, reliability and lower maintenance and good comparable tone would be their selling points.
At home i use a solid state for the obvious volume reasons. When playing with band or live i prefer tube tone, overall smoother, more of a 'living' sound compared with the more 2 dimentional SS sound. I believe one day SS/modelling technology would be as good as tubes, like digital and 35mm film cameras. It is all progressing and i wouldnt be surprised if people started using SS in favour of tubes if they became good. advantages such as weight, reliability and lower maintenance and good comparable tone would be their selling points.
Artie
Peaveyologist
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
Hey Forbes; I'm not quoting you because of there being anything incorrect with what you're saying, but just because it makes a good springboard for what may be a popular misconception about the tube vs SS debate.
The whole "mojo" concerning tube amps really centers around them being operated in an over-driven state. Or, out of their designed, linear region. They then become an integral part of the "sound" of the instrument.
A solid-state amp is designed to just amplify. It doesn't sound good when over-driven. If I had a nice Taylor acoustic, for example, with a D-TAR Timberline pickup, I'ld probably prefer a SS amp, because I wouldn't want the amp to color the sound. On the other hand, if I was using a good 'ole Strat, playing some rock, I'ld most definitely want a nice tube amp, to get those rich, over-driven harmonics.
So it really comes down to what the application is. Tubes don't necessarily sound better than SS, but for great rock tone, they do.
Edit: Perhaps a poor choice of words above. This probably isn't a "popular misconception".
Probably everyone knows this.
Forbes said:
Hey Forbes; I'm not quoting you because of there being anything incorrect with what you're saying, but just because it makes a good springboard for what may be a popular misconception about the tube vs SS debate.
The whole "mojo" concerning tube amps really centers around them being operated in an over-driven state. Or, out of their designed, linear region. They then become an integral part of the "sound" of the instrument.
A solid-state amp is designed to just amplify. It doesn't sound good when over-driven. If I had a nice Taylor acoustic, for example, with a D-TAR Timberline pickup, I'ld probably prefer a SS amp, because I wouldn't want the amp to color the sound. On the other hand, if I was using a good 'ole Strat, playing some rock, I'ld most definitely want a nice tube amp, to get those rich, over-driven harmonics.
So it really comes down to what the application is. Tubes don't necessarily sound better than SS, but for great rock tone, they do.
Edit: Perhaps a poor choice of words above. This probably isn't a "popular misconception".
Probably everyone knows this.
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Duncan
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
I'd agree with this - it's only a matter of time until the modelling technology catches up with and eventually surpasses tubes, but that day is a little off yet - my GT6 for example sounds great at low volumes but it pretty ordinary at gig level to my ears - hence I use it for home practice and thats it...
Mr Wolf said:
I'd agree with this - it's only a matter of time until the modelling technology catches up with and eventually surpasses tubes, but that day is a little off yet - my GT6 for example sounds great at low volumes but it pretty ordinary at gig level to my ears - hence I use it for home practice and thats it...
Artie
Peaveyologist
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
And I'ld agree with this. I've often wondered why component manufacturers haven't re-designed the classic tube to meet modern conditions. I picture a wafer-style glass envelope, that might actually appear like a large flat IC. But within it would be precision layered cathode/grid/anode micro-screens, spaced micrometers apart, so that relatively low-voltage power would be required.
The freedom from high-voltage could have many benefits, including longer tube life, less heat, etc.
Duncan said:
And I'ld agree with this. I've often wondered why component manufacturers haven't re-designed the classic tube to meet modern conditions. I picture a wafer-style glass envelope, that might actually appear like a large flat IC. But within it would be precision layered cathode/grid/anode micro-screens, spaced micrometers apart, so that relatively low-voltage power would be required.
The freedom from high-voltage could have many benefits, including longer tube life, less heat, etc.
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Re: Solid State vs. Tube
I agree. I have a Tech21 TM-10 and a Power Engine 60. They're pretty good at low volumes. I would have rather had a Hot Rod DeLuxe or even a Blues Jr., but to get good tone, you need to crank 'em more than I'd like to in the house.
I prefer the Tech21 to my friend's V'Ampire which just doesn't have the tone I want at low volume.
Paolo
Peterku said:
I agree. I have a Tech21 TM-10 and a Power Engine 60. They're pretty good at low volumes. I would have rather had a Hot Rod DeLuxe or even a Blues Jr., but to get good tone, you need to crank 'em more than I'd like to in the house.
I prefer the Tech21 to my friend's V'Ampire which just doesn't have the tone I want at low volume.
Paolo
some_dude
Raging BB Gunologist
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
I think that right there is the problem with most solid state setups.
Running a 100w Marshall MG next to a 100w Marshall JCM is like bringing a stick to a gunfight. No matter how high your run that tube amp, it's going to sound pretty good, but the MG will only sound good until you start to overload the amp. Where the tube amp has this nice, pleasing way of clipping, the solid state amp will cut the tops off your sine wave and generally sound harsh and crappy.
If more setups included a sufficantly strong solid state power amp, you'd be able to run loud, and keep the SS amp well within it's optimum operating range. If you took an MG's preamp and ran it through a 600w PA you'd be able to get much louder AND keep the tone intact.
If you look at the people who have successfull used solid state amplification, they're not using bottom of the barrel 100w amplifiers. Dimebag is using 300w amps, Kurt Cobain was using some kind of huge ass Crest power amp, both these guys were known for being loud, and niether is know for tone that falls apart at that volume. The new Marshall Mode 4 (350w) has actually had some good reviews. Sure, it'll never get good tube overdrive, but if your tone is all preamp distortion, tubes lack of headroom would only get in your way anyway.
ArtieToo said:
I think that right there is the problem with most solid state setups.
Running a 100w Marshall MG next to a 100w Marshall JCM is like bringing a stick to a gunfight. No matter how high your run that tube amp, it's going to sound pretty good, but the MG will only sound good until you start to overload the amp. Where the tube amp has this nice, pleasing way of clipping, the solid state amp will cut the tops off your sine wave and generally sound harsh and crappy.
If more setups included a sufficantly strong solid state power amp, you'd be able to run loud, and keep the SS amp well within it's optimum operating range. If you took an MG's preamp and ran it through a 600w PA you'd be able to get much louder AND keep the tone intact.
If you look at the people who have successfull used solid state amplification, they're not using bottom of the barrel 100w amplifiers. Dimebag is using 300w amps, Kurt Cobain was using some kind of huge ass Crest power amp, both these guys were known for being loud, and niether is know for tone that falls apart at that volume. The new Marshall Mode 4 (350w) has actually had some good reviews. Sure, it'll never get good tube overdrive, but if your tone is all preamp distortion, tubes lack of headroom would only get in your way anyway.
The Owl
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
For guitar: Definitely 100% tube for me, even the best solid state 0r modeling amps just don't get close to that oomph that tubes have. As another poster said, tube amps bring out all those beautiful even-numbered harmonics, solid state brings out the harsh odd-numbered harmonics.
For bass: I actually had good results with a hybrid amp (tube preamp/solid state pre-amp). I tend to like a thick overdriven tone (kind of like Jack Bruce but with more definition or the bassists from Magma ). I also have an unorthodox preference for bass speakers, namely 12", they just have this unique "bark" to them that you can't get with anything else.
For guitar: Definitely 100% tube for me, even the best solid state 0r modeling amps just don't get close to that oomph that tubes have. As another poster said, tube amps bring out all those beautiful even-numbered harmonics, solid state brings out the harsh odd-numbered harmonics.
For bass: I actually had good results with a hybrid amp (tube preamp/solid state pre-amp). I tend to like a thick overdriven tone (kind of like Jack Bruce but with more definition or the bassists from Magma ). I also have an unorthodox preference for bass speakers, namely 12", they just have this unique "bark" to them that you can't get with anything else.
Marqueax Moran
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
Being both old AND Oldschool, I won't play anything but tubes. Even at lower volumes SS has a harshness and brittleness to it that I just don't like. Some modeling amps CLAIM they sound just like a tube amp... But a tube amp REALLY sounds like a tube amp. For me there is no substitute.
I have tried most of the major modeling amps. I REALLY wanted to like them... But they just didn't do it for me.
Being both old AND Oldschool, I won't play anything but tubes. Even at lower volumes SS has a harshness and brittleness to it that I just don't like. Some modeling amps CLAIM they sound just like a tube amp... But a tube amp REALLY sounds like a tube amp. For me there is no substitute.
I have tried most of the major modeling amps. I REALLY wanted to like them... But they just didn't do it for me.
Bludave
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
I have owned both. The only SS amp I owned was a Roland Jazz Chorus. A pretty decent Amp. The gain was terrible. I now play through a '69 Super Reverb, and a Marshall 900. My original thought was to add the Super and A/B it with the JC. Once I played them side by side the JC just wasn't ctting it. I replaced it with a Marshal. I could not imagine playing without a Tube Amp. Most "modern" Amps do have Master volume so you can get a good tone at lower volumes with tubes. But tube or SS They both sound better LOUDER. IMHO it is a combination of circuits as well as the amount of air that being pushed that makes it sound better.
I have owned both. The only SS amp I owned was a Roland Jazz Chorus. A pretty decent Amp. The gain was terrible. I now play through a '69 Super Reverb, and a Marshall 900. My original thought was to add the Super and A/B it with the JC. Once I played them side by side the JC just wasn't ctting it. I replaced it with a Marshal. I could not imagine playing without a Tube Amp. Most "modern" Amps do have Master volume so you can get a good tone at lower volumes with tubes. But tube or SS They both sound better LOUDER. IMHO it is a combination of circuits as well as the amount of air that being pushed that makes it sound better.
McLaughysSN
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
TuuUUBBbbbEEEeee!!!!
You can hear the difference imediately. The sound is a lot more full and dynamic. while some solid states do cleans really well (i.e. the Roland JC-120) tube just beats it out with the pure "balls" that it produces. Possibly the shining atribute of tube power is the natural overdrive. im not talking distortion like with rectifier tubes and what have you, im talking that slight break up in your clean channel. When you get break up on solid state, its not good sonding. it usually turns to mud. so its tube all the way with me!
TuuUUBBbbbEEEeee!!!!
You can hear the difference imediately. The sound is a lot more full and dynamic. while some solid states do cleans really well (i.e. the Roland JC-120) tube just beats it out with the pure "balls" that it produces. Possibly the shining atribute of tube power is the natural overdrive. im not talking distortion like with rectifier tubes and what have you, im talking that slight break up in your clean channel. When you get break up on solid state, its not good sonding. it usually turns to mud. so its tube all the way with me!
midnite_man
New member
Re: Solid State vs. Tube
LOL....Don't worry, Hoss....no shots fired here....
Hoss said:
LOL....Don't worry, Hoss....no shots fired here....
