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NRNR
6
Aug 12, 2017
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smile17
69
Aug 12, 2017
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NRNRDifferent people like different things. I tend to alternate between my solid state and my tube amps depending on how I feel. Sometimes solid state just sounds too boring and analytical. Sure, tubes add extra coloration, but I find it make my music more enjoyable. This might be a bad analogy, but I think it's like eating fries. Some people like to eat fries with no ketchup. Others have to have ketchup with fries. Which one is better? Hard to say. There is no correct answer, whatever people like is what they will listen to. That's why there are so many amps out there. There probably is an amp for everyone.
Elsid
697
Aug 12, 2017
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NRNRToo my ears, the recordings have gotten louder and brighter. Of course, as we age our hearing changes, but I've also read about this, so I don't think it's just my ears. However, when I was younger, I was a real treble head. I wish someone had taught me to protect my hearing as I now teach my Son, Benjamin. I like the added warmth and reverb. I have a small home studio in Tallahasse and the dry, flat referencing gets old. Also, I just like to change speakers, headphones, amps and dacs, depending on my mood and music. I also think it's fun to go all analog. Anyways, aren't you glad you asked? Sorry for rambling. Peace.
Ps. Eqs are good also. All recordings , equipment, and ears are not equal.
HollowState
198
Aug 12, 2017
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NRNRAnything...ANYTHING...is already colored. You can't capture sound without coloring it. I can understand that you wish to hear the way the producer meant it. But then again, that particular colored sound is simply the producer's preference for distributing to a wide variety of playing devices. I respect your desire, but that particular sound is not sacrosanct. Some people in this community would like to color the sound a bit differently to suit there equipment or preference. Oh, and it's not extra coloration, but different coloration. Not knocking your preference, just sayin'...
NRNR
6
Aug 12, 2017
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HollowStateLow-cost tubes (these are probably around $30) color the sound much MORE than common methods, not just differently. That's why you don't see any reference-level pro-audio gear that uses tubes for this particular purpose, only home audio "HiFi" stuff.
But I understand that some people want it and love it, and I'm all for that. Like I said before, whatever floats your boat. I was just curious why :)
But I understand that some people want it and love it, and I'm all for that. Like I said before, whatever floats your boat. I was just curious why :)
Zen-ish
160
Aug 12, 2017
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NRNRCan someone explain to me why they'd want a colored tube headphone amp?
>>I will explain<<
Yes, it colors the signal in a (usually) pleasant way, but why do you want extra coloration/"a touch of tube character" at all? >>Because it sounds good.<< The musicians and producers already know the amount of tube that sounds good in the track. >> Not always, excessive compression, dynamic range reduction, loudness level enhancement and just bad recordings are common<< Then it's the signal path's responsibility to be clean, not dirty on purpose. Slapping tube on everything you hear seems unintuitive. >>In many instances it smooths harshness adds richness and lovely juiciness but can also sound clear and glassy. I as well as many other enjoy those characteristics. Having different amps for different sources "solid state, hybrid , tube" is the way to go. I have many. Glad I could help<<
Yes, it colors the signal in a (usually) pleasant way, but why do you want extra coloration/"a touch of tube character" at all? >>Because it sounds good.<< The musicians and producers already know the amount of tube that sounds good in the track. >> Not always, excessive compression, dynamic range reduction, loudness level enhancement and just bad recordings are common<< Then it's the signal path's responsibility to be clean, not dirty on purpose. Slapping tube on everything you hear seems unintuitive. >>In many instances it smooths harshness adds richness and lovely juiciness but can also sound clear and glassy. I as well as many other enjoy those characteristics. Having different amps for different sources "solid state, hybrid , tube" is the way to go. I have many. Glad I could help<<
HollowState
198
Aug 12, 2017
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NRNRI'm not trying to be nit-picky , but I still have to say that the tube replaces the equivalent solid state component, so technically it is a different type of coloration. Most of the "color" that people seem to particularly like results from "roll-off". A solid state component can change the flow of electrons instantly. A tube takes a bit of time to respond as the electron stream dwindles. To be fair, the sonic equivalent can be achieved using solid state, but requires extra circuitry.
As to "why", for certain kinds of music, some like the "smooth" sound transitions.
As to "why", for certain kinds of music, some like the "smooth" sound transitions.
smile17
69
Aug 12, 2017
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NRNRWell, if you are a music producer, then I totally understand where you come from with your perspective. I actually respect that. I prefer my music to be as close to the producers' preference as possible so I have the option to listen to it critically with no coloration...or to add tubey sounds to it when my moods call for it. It's always good to have a clean plate to start with.
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Yes, it colors the signal in a (usually) pleasant way, but why do you want extra coloration/"a touch of tube character" at all? The musicians and producers already know the amount of tube that sounds good in the track. Then it's the signal path's responsibility to be clean, not dirty on purpose. Slapping tube on everything you hear seems unintuitive