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AMT working on prototypes for solid-state tubes

Johnny Mac

Johnny Mac

Supporting Member
Sep 28, 2005
996
625
Springfield, MA
#1
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Presently, AMT Electronics engineers are testing prototypes of popular 6L6 and 12AX7 tubes solid-state equivalents. Our goal is to create a reliable identically sounding analogue that doesn’t require recurring replacement and has constant parameters which remain so all the time in spite of how hard operative conditions are.
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I would love to have tube amp tone without having to replace my tubes every few months, but it's obviously not a given that these will be able to accurately emulate actual tube amp tone.

For the amp techs here, how difficult is it to replace a dead transistor relative to changing worn-out tubes? And would using these rather than standard transistors simplify that process, assuming they don't emulate tube amp tone that well?
 
#5
I'd be suspicious. People have been working on solid-state circuits that are supposed to sound like tubes for a long time. Why should these be any different just because they're in a tube-shaped can?

Intended for the "listens with the eyes" market, methinks ...
 
#6
Well, first off, transistors rarely "go bad". When I say rarely, I simply mean much less frequently than tubes. There is virtually no heat with a transistor (by comparison). In fact, if I had to guess, I would say that it will contain a series of transistor amplifiers in it, which will be pretty much no different from a solid state.

But here's the thing. The only thing they will be able to do is come up with a "tube emulator" kind of deal. And there's nothing new at all about that, other than it will plug into a tube socket. (Peavey, Tube Works and plenty others have been doing that for years..... and they don't sound like tubes.)

Tubes do what they do because they are what they are. You can't "design around" the imperfection of tubes. And it is that imperfection that give a tube it's characteristic tone (to me). How many times have we discussed rolling tubes on this very forum where tubes of the exact same brand and model sound completely different?

So, to me, it will be a solid state amp once you plug these things into the tube socket. And I have a hard time believing it will sound like tubes. Plus, I really don't see the point of lugging around 100+ pounds for a solid state amp (unless you just REEEEEEEALLY want it to "look" vintage).

Of course, I'm not "there yet" in my education (first year electronics student) so I'm just spit balling off the top of my head. B String and a few others will probably swing by and set me straight on a few things before too long.

This is the only thing I can guarantee. It will start some heated discussions on this forum for sure. I mean, once this thing is released, I am going to have to go to Sam's Club and get a dump truck load of popcorn so I am stocked up for the show!
 
#10
I wouldn't go anywhere near these. ...Also, what kind of amp and conditions are you running under where you have to replace your tubes "every few months"?

My Fender Studio Bass(1978) see's nearly daily use, and it's original tubes still sound phenomenal and are well within spec. My Mesa Strategy 400 was retubed 10 years ago when I got it - because I purchased it broken and without tubes. Those tubes have seen HEAVY use and a few east coast tours... Still within spec, still sound fine.

Oh, and my hifi stereo gear.... Most of that is still running on its original tubes from the 60's....

..So, what are you doing to your tubes?
 
#13
I remember Jerrold Tiers saying Ampeg was very interested in a company that made similar solid state tubes a few years ago but they went belly up. Forgot whether he said they were any good or not, though ;) I'd give them a chance on someone else's dime.
 
#14
onefallinghope said:
I wouldn't go anywhere near these. ...Also, what kind of amp and conditions are you running under where you have to replace your tubes "every few months"?

My Fender Studio Bass(1978) see's nearly daily use, and it's original tubes still sound phenomenal and are well within spec. My Mesa Strategy 400 was retubed 10 years ago when I got it - because I purchased it broken and without tubes. Those tubes have seen HEAVY use and a few east coast tours... Still within spec, still sound fine.

Oh, and my hifi stereo gear.... Most of that is still running on its original tubes from the 60's....

..So, what are you doing to your tubes?
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I'm kind of curious too. My Magnavox era V4 is running all original Magnavox tubes from the early 70s. Granted, they don't make them like they used to. But every few months seems ridiculous (unless you are playing 23 1/2 hours a day).
 
#16
^^^^^ plus - preamp tubes can work for decades no matter how hard you drive your amp. output ones could go bad after some time if you are pushing them in overdrive every day for more than a few hours.
 

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