Tube vs Solid State?

[RGA]

[QUOTE=DMK]

Inner detail, warmth, emotion, some of the words used to describe he destorion that tube amplifiers produce, QUOTE]


Yes, but "glare, grain, edginess" are some of the words used to describe the distortion that solid state amps produce. Since all amps distort, I prefer the ones that do so in a manner consonant with the music rather than dissonant.

I haven't smoked a joint in almost 25 years. The main sound I'd probably hear in that case is an ambulance!

DMK. I noticed you mentioned using Live music as a barometer which is a good one...one I also go by. But have you read the Qvortrup Essay on the Audio Note site regarding "Comparison by Contrast." I think he is onto something that a speaker or system should contrast the albums you put on rather than homogenize everything. I can't post the entire essay as it would probably be copywritten but click on their site - scroll down to Audio Note philosophy and choose the essay that says "Are You on the Road to Audio Hell?"

He discusses some of the pitfalls of comparing to references when recording to other discs is perhaps more of a teller. If one disc has a tiny soundstage and one is big one has a voice center right one has it way back then you have an "accurate" speaker/componant because it is TELLING you about all of these differences. Many a product don't. http://www.audionote.co.uk/

[300A]

DMK. I noticed you mentioned using Live music as a barometer which is a good one...one I also go by. But have you read the Qvortrup Essay on the Audio Note site regarding "Comparison by Contrast." I think he is onto something that a speaker or system should contrast the albums you put on rather than homogenize everything. I can't post the entire essay as it would probably be copywritten but click on their site - scroll down to Audio Note philosophy and choose the essay that says "Are You on the Road to Audio Hell?"

He discusses some of the pitfalls of comparing to references when recording to other discs is perhaps more of a teller. If one disc has a tiny soundstage and one is big one has a voice center right one has it way back then you have an "accurate" speaker/componant because it is TELLING you about all of these differences. Many a product don't. http://www.audionote.co.uk/

RGA, I am sure I read something like that somewhere else too. Its been a few years ago, but someone also mentioned using different kinds of music to test for common problems.

[DMK]

[QUOTE=RGA]. But have you read the Qvortrup Essay on the Audio Note site regarding "Comparison by Contrast." I think he is onto something that a speaker or system should contrast the albums you put on rather than homogenize everything.

I'll give it a read in a bit. It looks interesting. It does help to know your recordings intimately but I have to admit I've never taken a disc with me of music I disliked to audition gear!