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Tubes vs Transistors: An Audible Difference?

Posted by michael on from the vi-emacs-vi-emacs-tastes-great-less-filling dept.

cgenman writes "Are those vaccuum tubes worth the extra price? This paper, a transcript of a speech to the Audio Engineering Society of New York, indicates so, though the reason is surprising: Overloaded tubes behave better. While the speech itself is from the early 70's, the paper takes on new importance with the recent trend in louder is better music."

4 of 686 comments (clear)

  1. Re:I have to question this.... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    How about Steam vs Infernal Combustion? I see a Victorian flame war coming on.

  2. On Fark by Greenisus · · Score: 2, Funny

    this would get an "obvious" tag.

  3. Re:Of course... by Cuthalion · · Score: 5, Funny

    DSP CAN NOT give you the same characteristics as a tube.

    Of course, DSPs can only apply mathematical transformations to the signal, whereas tubes impart magical qualities that defy quantitization, such as warmth, openness and bredth of sound stage.

    They are called vacuum tubes, but they each actually contain individual fairies, all supplying your music with a limitless supply of fairy dust.

    --
    Trees can't go dancing
    So do them a big favor
    Pretend dancing stinks!
  4. In the event of nuclear war ..... by The+Sith+Lord · · Score: 3, Funny

    ... it is my understanding that tubes will sound better, given that anything with transistors will no longer work.