What is the diff?

Posted by Art Smid [IP: 142.194.243.117] on September 23, 1999 at 08:06:10
Using Mozilla/4.61 [en] (WinNT; I):

In Reply to: What is the diff? posted by Chua on September 21, 1999 at 23:48:01:

The power ratings are normally based on the same criteria and measurement standards(one hopes)although there may be certain differences in the fine details such as impedance matches, etc.

However, that being said, I suspect that the bottom line related to the actual difference reflects good old money; integrated (solid-state)amps are basically a lot cheaper/easier to design, build and market, certainly in low to medium power (500W) ranges. Tubes used currently for anything beyond low power are expensive, those that are available, that is - a situation due to supply and demand, very limited application, costlier to make. I speak from some experience: trying to source tubes for radars and landing aids (work-related) can be a challenge! In addition, tube designs are not really very efficient(?) in power conversion (supply considerations - they also require high voltages) and they are also not inherently conducive to low distortion designs. They take a lot of space, cooling, etc. Mind you, they are rugged and not easily affected by nuclear blasts...

So, although a lower power tube amp is still somewhat affordable/marketable; higher power solid-state amps are a "dime-a-dozen" so to speak, and luckily so for most of us!

Besides, tube amps(at any power)would appear to fall in the "trendy" domain revered only by so-called "afficionados"; tube amp manufacturers/suppliers would appear to be taking full advantage of this rather skewed consideration! Appreciate that this statement is made somewhat "tongue-in-cheek" but there is some merit to it, I believe.

Maybe this will provoke some thoughtful discussion....

Cheers,
Art

: Hi,

: Can anybody tell me why the power rating for integrated amp and valve amp is so different? From what I see in the market, the power output for a integrated amp can easily be 60-70W but most valve amp has only 30-35W. Thanks

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