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Original Message

Tube vs. Solid State for Planars

Posted by Taki888 on June 27, 2020 at 10:30:22:
Hi,

So it is known fact higher output power tends to provide improved sound quality for the planars. My question, is there something different with tube amps vs solid state that lower
output power tube amp can still sound better than higher power solid state amp?

What do you look for, terms like 'high current' amp. High Damping factor.
Does tube amp provide high damping factor or high current?

For example, a KT120 tube amp specs 75wpc into 8 or 4 ohms vs. say an Emotiva XPA-1
monoblock pair that is 1000wpc in 4ohms. From output power, the solid state amp would
sound better at lower volume vs. the tube amp?

Why tube amp specs never state damping factor?
Why most solid state amps don't state damping factor?

I understand there are a lot of factors, class of amp, sound amp signature. Would you pick
amp best on brand name or output power with price being about the same? It could be
a used Byrston, Carver, etc...

Or in what situation would you choose a lower power tube amp over a higher power solid state amp? Speakers would be Magnepan 1.7i.

I was told even Primaluna 90wpc is under power for Maggies so that threw me off from
looking into tube amps.