Tube vs solid state amp measured with REW

[Ken57]

If the difference between the amps is mainly due to the frequency response (and not the 2nd harmonic distortion since that's under 1%), can I just use my software plug-in graphic equalizer to tune the response of the solid state amp to sound like the tube amp? Its a much cheaper amp (Arcam A32) compared to the Mastersound 300b. I use the VST plug-in to compensate for the room.

 

[Blumlein 88]

If the difference between the amps is mainly due to the frequency response (and not the 2nd harmonic distortion since that's under 1%), can I just use my software plug-in graphic equalizer to tune the response of the solid state amp to sound like the tube amp? Its a much cheaper amp (Arcam A32) compared to the Mastersound 300b. I use the VST plug-in to compensate for the room.

Maybe, if you can get the response close enough. PEQ would be better for this than graphic EQ. Damping of the low frequencies might still be a little different, but I don't know if that is enough to be heard. Certainly if response were the same it would be much closer.

 

[Ken57]

I was able to match the FR pretty close, and the two amps sound very similar. I also used REW's sine wave distortion function to add a small (<1%) amount of harmonics and I couldn't hear the difference. So now I'm wondering if some of the positive reviews of tube amps are due to variations in FR rather than overtones?

 

[Chrispy]

You're measuring more how those amps work with your speakers in your room, but the reasons for positive reviews of tube amps I think goes several different ways. I'm not a tube guy, don't see any reason to use them.

 

[Ken57]

For solid state amps, do you recommend Class A or A/B (for Klipsch)? Any in particular you like? My Arcam is Class A/B.

 

[Chrispy]

For solid state amps, do you recommend Class A or A/B (for Klipsch)? Any in particular you like? My Arcam is Class A/B.

I don't choose by class. I have/had AB, D, G, H but I definitely like the size/weight of the Ds The Klipsch should be happy with any good amp, depending on your Klipsch's particulars....but they're fairly amp friendly in general.

ps Class A holds no interest due to the thermal thing.