Tubes vs Transistors - an interesting read

BlueMDPicker

I thought I'd share this interesting paper. Enjoy.

steveinaz

Very good read, interesting perspective.

Early B.

This quote from the link really sums up the differences:

A couple of professional studio players have pointed out on numerous occasions that the middle range of tube recordings is very clear, each instrument has presence, even at very low playback levels. Transistor recordings tend to emphasize the sibilants and cymbals, especially at low levels. "Transistor recordings are very clean but they lack the 'air' of a good tube recording." "With tubes there is a space between the instruments even when they play loud...transistors make a lot of buzzing." Two people commented that transistors added a lot of musically unrelated harmonics or white noise, especially on attack transients.

IMO, SS creates artificial sounds and overemphasizes certain instruments. Generally, good tubes appear to have a higher level of "intelligence" by smoothing out rough edges, thereby providing a more balanced sound. Then, of course, there's the wondeful AIR that tubes produce. Gotta love the way the notes float in the atmosphere. That's what did it for me.

unc2701

I don't know much about tubes in playback, but any guitarist can tell you "NO ****" when it comes to tube/ SS guitar amps. Overdrive a SS amp and the rest of the band wants to kill you... overdrive a tube and you have Purple Haze.

Good post, everyone should give it a read.

sucks2beme

Thats why some guitar amps have at least a tube preamp!
I've got a Marshall 8080 with this. Also why full tube amps are still commanding top dollar.

organ

I remember reading that last year. Very interesting article.

Then, of course, there's the wondeful AIR that tubes produce. Gotta love the way the notes float in the atmosphere. That's what did it for me.

Yup, that's the first thing that got my attention too. SS is flat compared to tubes.

Maurice