Tube Vs. Solid State

Discussion in 'Power Amps' started by shaizada, Nov 23, 2016.

  1. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    My dad was really into Yamaha during the 70's and i have to admit the new retro models surely bring back memories but i don't know how good they actually are.
     
  2. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Not all of them are "epic" as I don't want turn SBAF into a vintage receiver appreciation forum, but I don't think you can go wrong. I purchased a modest Sony receiver in the late 70s and I know the ones in the late 80s already started to suck. They didn't sound as good. Give me a little while and I will post thoughts in the Friends section. I don't like what I'm seeing with the M-22 prices already.
     
  3. murphythecat

    murphythecat GRU-powered uniformed trumpkin

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    not all Sony started to suck in the 80's. their ES line were just as good as the best of their time.
     
  4. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    The late 70's stuff is worth looking at. I'm a fanboy so take what I say with a grain of salt. I loved my CA-1010 and expecting my project CA-2010 to be even more enjoyable...
     
  5. Riotvan

    Riotvan Snoofer in the Woofer

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    Awesome, i really like the look of those units. Looking forward to your impressions!
     
  6. Forza AudioWorks

    Forza AudioWorks MOT: Forza AudioWorks

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    Can you please name one or two? This is interesting.
     
  7. Cspirou

    Cspirou They call me Sparky

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    Ahhh no! I still want a chance of affordable summit-fi!
     
  8. Armaegis

    Armaegis Friend

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    I can't remember the model numbers, but go look up the old Mitsubishi amps that look similar to the Pioneers... There are several sized models with similar topology (and even interchangeable front faces with meters etc).
     
  9. Forza AudioWorks

    Forza AudioWorks MOT: Forza AudioWorks

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    I'll take a look, thanks!
     
  10. Ash1412

    Ash1412 Friend

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    Can anyone explain the difference between tube and ss rectification? Also why do the higher end transformer-coupled tube amps still have 2 output tubes like with OTL? Been checking out the websites of the Studio, Aficionado and Stratus/Stellaris and was confused about that.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2017
  11. murray

    murray Friend

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    Push-pull output requires two tubes, single-ended requires one.
     
  12. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Tube rectification uses tubes for diodes. SS rectification uses SS parts for diodes. Same function.

    Studio is paralleled SE for more power, to keep the SE topology as opposed to push-pull. I believe WA33 is push pull. Many OTL parallel output tubes keep output impedance lower since there is no transformer to do the job.

    Af, Stratus, Stellaris use one output tube per channel.
     
  13. Ash1412

    Ash1412 Friend

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    They're all SET amps though
     
  14. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    SE <> PP

    Subjectively and IMO, SE has more magic than PP, but often flabbier bass because often no feedback. PP well implemented has tighter bass and much more power. Transducers used will impact decision.
     
  15. Ash1412

    Ash1412 Friend

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    Is there any benefit to tube rectification that outweighs the lifespan and rolling cost? I saw an old post where you mentioned substituting a ss diode into some amp's power supply. Also a bunch of posts where you mention a toxic rectifier :/
     
  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Debatable. Diodes are in many ways better than tubes - often stiffer, less voltage drop. I've stuck SS diodes into my custom amp in lieu of the glowie toxic blue tubes. A bit more solid-state sounding (a bit cleaner, a bit more of those solid state highs), but not by much.
     
  17. Ash1412

    Ash1412 Friend

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    Can this be done on the Af and how? Sorry if im asking too much.
     
  18. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    It would be unsafe to do so if done in manner of a jury rigged tweak. High voltages can kill.
     
  19. Ash1412

    Ash1412 Friend

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    Stick to tubes. Got it. Do rectifier tubes have the same 2/3-1 year lifespan of input and output tubes or do they last longer? How are your mercury tubes (rare and expensive?) holding up? Trying to be a cheap bastid here
     
  20. TonyNewman

    TonyNewman Validated by Tyll removing Utopia from WOF

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    +1. On a well built amp the SQ difference is minimal to my ears - mostly in the bass in my experience. SS can be more transparent across the spectrum, but particularly so down low.

    In my case, I had my custom 300B amp modified to replace the PY500 tube rectification with Hexfred diodes. Partly for SQ, and partly for safety. A blown rectifier in a 300B amp can be nasty if it trips your housebreaker circuit (mine did and the resulting power surge and blackout was NOT fun). My heaters are still wired to the PY500s for the lovely orange glow (only).

    If I ever commissioned another custom tube amp I would go for SS rectification by default, use C3g drivers (super transparent and long lived), and then pick an output tube that met my power needs and I liked the sound of - for headphones and single ended mode there a lot of choices out there. 300B throwing 8+W will drive anything (including the HE6), but there are many cheaper options. 45, 2A3, ... etc. 300Bs are crazy over priced and very few headphones require that level of push.
     

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