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RE: preamp vs power amp tube distortion

Topology/purpose of the circuit is crucial. Mainly, are we looking at more classic setups like 50s, 60s and 70s Marshalls and Fenders, or higher gain (typically master volume) amps.

I find power tube over drive has more harmonic content, presence, power, delivery, and magic. Its not to say high gain doesn't have a place: trust me it does - with power section over drive. But while turning up the gain gives a satisfying crunch, it compresses the heck out of the signal. Power section over drive involves more than the dynamics of the triode.

There are a few components to factor in: transformers, the tubes, the filtering at each stage, and the choke's effect at low and high draw, and finally your SPEAKER (variances in resistances affect the power section's delivery dynamically). All of these can saturate or max out in some many and colour the sound. Turn it up and you have to turn down your EQ to tame the highs and balance out your sound. 10 across the board will sound like garbage. And then you realize whats really going on in that amp. This is what's called "opening it up".

As per the video, you'll hear it. There's clipping from the preamp, but it's kept relatively clean, not JCM800-like character. It rolls rather than saws. There's continuity out of the sound versus what I think what can just be stale-sounding high gain.

(edit: finished my post properly and fixed the link)
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May your tubes be lively, warm, and long-lasting. Holy be thy heater.



Edits: 08/11/14 08/11/14

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  • RE: preamp vs power amp tube distortion - TubeAcolyte 19:57:52 08/11/14 (0)

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