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RE: Solid State Power: MOSFET vs. Bipolar?

HI,
As others have said, there are many factors that affect the sound. However, I think each of the technologies do have definite signatures independent of other factors.

Solid state Bi Polar: Inexpensive units sound grainy and harsh but they continue to improve. Top end units maybe sound the most neutral, dynamic, and extended than all other technologies. They can sound relentless and place a premium on speaker compatibility. Properly matched, they are my second favorite technology. But at this level of performance they are very expensive. I currently own Krell and Levinson.

MOSFET: They have always sounded a little rolled off in the high frequencies and lack ultimate detail and resolution to me. Other than that, they can be top notch and very easy to listen to. They tend to be forgiving of less than perfect tweeters. I have owned Jeff Roland.

Tubes: Very difficult to characterize. Their signatures are all over the map. What people refer to when they say "tube" sound often means a rolled off high end, weak bass, and a lush, prominent mid-range (the classic tube sound). But, a modern, high end tube amp will not sound this way. Rather, they are neutral, have excellent detail and resolution, great dynamics, and strong bass but not giving up a wonderful midrange. To my ears, a great tube amp is as close to real as can be had. They are my favorites. ARC specifically but also VTL and Conrad Johnson and probably others I have not heard. I currently own, and have for for many years, Audio Research. I really dislike the "classic" tube sound. I am leaving SET amps out of this discussion because I do not consider them to be HI FI.

In summary, I think careful listening will reveal that each technnology has a signature. What a particular listener prefers is strictly personal and depends, to large degree, on their experience with high end equipment and how well the system is matched.

Sparky


Edits: 10/06/10
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