Talk:Tube sound

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Although I agree that there are many audiophiles who prefer "tube sound" or "better" sounding audio rather than absolutely accurate audio, I think it's misrepresentation to say that [i]all[/i] audiophile systems do not strive towards accuracy. In fact, I'd say it's a pretty even split between these two grounps. For example, most cable manufacturers, although they tend to advertise the subtle changes in sound their cables produce, in the end their design decisions typically show an attempt to reduce, rather than create, distortion from the cables. This is also true for many other non-tube components, such as DACs, CD transports, etc. . . 69.86.94.231 03:29, 18 August 2007 (UTC)

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[edit] monotonically decaying

At risk of appearing slow I venture that although I've a fairly good education, it includes three levels/years of university electrical engineering, the term "monotonically decaying" used repeatedly in this article has me nonplussed. Yet I CAN handle Laplace and Fourier transforms - so I doubt the general reader will fathom the description given. FWIW I think this article was much better a year ago than it currently is (it was then known as "valve sound" and it was less subjective and seemed better referenced). RichardJ Christie 10:47, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Monotonic function should explain--TreeSmiler (talk) 04:12, 29 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Software emulation

I'm not qualified to write it but there needs to be a heading detailing the history and current art of software tube emulation. We've got solid state emulation listed but not software. Any takers? Binksternet 14:40, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] nfb and Miller effect

"Triodes always have a property called Miller Capacitance which couples the output plate to the input grid, effectively acting as a negative feedback path. Because this feedback path is extremely short, it performs very well."

well, not in any meaningful sense. It simply reduces gain at high frequencies, typically above audio. This is quite different to useful nfb.

FWIW...

  • the physical length of the nfb path is immaterial
  • the most effective nfb by far is nfb around the transformer, which is a significant contributor of distortion.
  • Miller effect exists in transistors too.

Tabby 01:10, 2 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Guitar amplifiers

I think the article now gives the impression, that most people use solid state amplifiers and only audiophiles use tubes. However, I wouldn't say it's exaggerating to say that every professional guitarist uses tube amplifiers nowadays. I'm sure there are some who don't (especially since some solid states, like the Roland Jazz Chorus are great), but almost everyone uses tube amplifiers. Amateur guitarists might use more solid states (tubes are very popular in there too), but usually because good tube amps cost so much. I think this should be reflected in the article. 212.213.90.10 (talk) 09:59, 6 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Redundant text

I'm 66.92.144.65. I removed a number of sections which I thought to be redundant to other sections later in the lengthy article. I noticed that these changes were reverted. I am adding this comment to explain what I was thinking when I made the edits. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.92.144.65 (talk) 05:10, 14 December 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Class B p-p distortion "like" that of SE class A ?

"Push-pull tube amplifiers can be run in class A, AB, or B, When in the class A region the distortion will be as described above, but while in class B the distortion will be SE like."

This statement has been in the article for a long time. As balanced class B push-pull doesn't generate even-order harmonic distortion how can its distortion spectrum be "SE like" (SE can generate even order harmonic distortion). I have never read a text that states that class B p-p operation is "SE like" (which in any case is a vague statement). Also, the sentence that follows it "Also, a class AB amplifier will have crossover distortion that will be typically inharmonic and thus sonically very undesirable indeed" is in this context inaccuarate as it implies that crossover distortion is greater in class AB than it is in class B operation. User R.christie 121.72.32.183 (talk) —Preceding comment was added at 04:15, 7 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] All systems distort?

"All practical amplifiers distort to some degree; some audiophiles prefer the sound that is produced by the distortion characteristics of tube-based amplifiers."

What the fuck? Distortion happens when you stress out the amplifier; a 4558 silicon op amp clips when overdriven, while a tube simply distorts softly and THEN clips. In a tube the plate can STEADILY supply some amount of power, and then when your signal pulls enough power off the grid (which blocks flow) it CAN'T supply that much steady power and distorts. If you turn down the power on the grid enough (big signal) the plate is free to dump everything it's got, and pretty much flails at it.. --John Moser (talk) 22:40, 4 April 2008 (UTC)