I'm guessing that's because EQ (even parametric) can only change the frequency response. It can't emulate the distortion caused by non linear operation of the tubes (or whatever the mechanism is by which tubes distort).
www.sonarworks.com
Some time spent measuring tube amps will demonstrate that they have plenty of odd order distortion.
But to the advantage of the transistor. In a well-designed transistor amplifier, the distortion is inaudible. Thus, it does not matter what order, even or odd distortion it is.At the risk of grossly oversimplifying this topic, my understanding is that tubes create even order harmonics, which tend to sound "warm" and "pleasing" to the ear while transistors tend to create odd order harmonics which tend to sound "harsh". However, this is an oversimplifcation as I have also heard that some transistor based designs, such as those that use MOSFETs sound "tube like" because they tend to produce more even order harmonics.
"Second-order or ‘even’ harmonics are even-numbered multiples of the fundamental frequencies and create a rich, pleasing sound. Third-order or ‘odd’ harmonics are odd-numbered multiples of the fundamental frequencies, which give the signal an edgier, more aggressive sound. Generally speaking, tube designs create higher levels of even-order harmonics, while tape and transistor-based designs create higher levels or odd-order harmonics. However, every circuit creates a different blend of both even and odd-order harmonics that give it a unique sound."
When Distortion Is Good - Sonarworks Blog
Learn the difference between good and bad distortion. Tips and tricks on how to use different types of good distortion in your mixes.
"With FETs and BJTs in simple circuits, second harmonic distortion is dominant"
"MOSFETs are solid-state devices that work on principals more similar to vacuum tubes than bipolar transistors."
Both. SE just douses it with a pile of extra 2nd.
If a valve amp has inaudible levels of distortion then it will sound exactly like SS, provided both are capable of properly driving the loudspeakers in question.Nope, its just a valve amp with low distortion. Being absolutist is accomplishing nothing.
There is no good distortion. What is meant is the distortion exists and there are different types of distortion. Being certain types are said to be more pleasing to our ears. Different degrees in hell, so to speak.
.. if it's your cup of tea
How can it be an 'effect' if that effect is inaudible? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. I guess its like a solid state amp exploding in the forest when there's nobody to hear it.
How can it be an 'effect' if that effect is inaudible? Sounds like an oxymoron to me. I guess its like a solid state amp exploding in the forest when there's nobody to hear it.
If an amplifier glows in the middle of the forest and there's nobody there to see it, did it actually glow?
Below is one example of that kind of behaviour. Notice too how in this tube amplifier the 3rd harmonic is not far behind the 2nd harmonic in size. The plot is for the spectral response of a 1kHz sinewave, for the Balanced Audio Technology VK-56SE, low output tap, running at 1W into 8 ohms, which produces 0.4% THD+N. At 6 watts output power, this amplifier is producing about 1.0% THD+N using a 1kHz test signal.
But it only costs $ 8000. Tube amplifiers can cost more than that.Below is one example of that kind of behaviour. Notice too how in this tube amplifier the 3rd harmonic is not far behind the 2nd harmonic in size. The plot is for the spectral response of a 1kHz sinewave, for the Balanced Audio Technology VK-56SE, low output tap, running at 1W into 8 ohms, which produces 0.4% THD+N. At 6 watts output power, this amplifier is producing about 1.0% THD+N using a 1kHz test signal.
Source: Stereophile, https://www.stereophile.com/content/balanced-audio-technology-vk-56se-power-amplifier-measurements
audiosciencereview.com
The early-ish ss amplifiers (and receivers) with single-ended (so to speak), DC power supplies and capacitor-coupled outputs have a whole slew (no pun intended... well, mostly...) of anomalies associated with their output quality (fidelity) that some folks a) like and b) find... ahem... tube like.But it only costs $ 8000. Tube amplifiers can cost more than that.
If , I says IF , you now absolutely must have a tube amplifier then buy a classic. For the feeling. Amir is on the same track:
Amir:
"Dynaco ST 70
I love the simplicity of tube amps like this. There is just so little to them. If I were less busy, I would not mind playing with one to get it to optimal performance."
Review and Measurements of Dynaco ST 70
This is a review and detailed measurements of the vintage Dynakit Dynaco Stereo 70. It is on kind loan from a member who bought it used online and repaired it. Previous owner hand upgraded it but could not get it working. Given that it is 60 years old, one can forgive the rust and dust...
Another advantage of buying such a well known tube amp as the Dynaco ST 70 is that you can buy and sell it for about the same price. There is a fairly large demand for that model. If you do not like it, sell it. Or you think it's cozy with tube glow in the autumn darkness.
Edit:
Or even cheaper. Some vintage transistor amplifier from the 70's. Some of them are said to have that warm tube sound. Or the distortion as it may well be in that case.
This for example. Unfortunately, it does not have quite as high a distortion as a tube amplifier can normally have, if you are looking for the tube sound. However, the effect is sufficiently low to qualify.
Distortion 0.18% at 30 W.
004 by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
Sound is still subjective. There is so much that weighs into the experience. Maybe the tube glow outweighs the disadvantages of tube amplifiers for some. For others not so. That's good. People get to like what they want.The early-ish ss amplifiers (and receivers) with single-ended (so to speak), DC power supplies and capacitor-coupled outputs have a whole slew (no pun intended... well, mostly...) of anomalies associated with their output quality (fidelity) that some folks a) like and b) find... ahem... tube like.
This one actually has a quasi-complementary topology -- but it's cap-coupled and it's a photo I have handy.
As if I would disagree...Sound is still subjective. There is so much that weighs into the experience. Maybe the tube glow outweighs the disadvantages of tube amplifiers for some. For others not so. That's good. People get to like what they want.
There is another aspect with tube amplifier. DIY. For those who like it.
For those who are curious about tube amplifiers then it's just a matter of trying one out.
DSC_4262 (2) by Mark Hardy, on Flickr
