• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Tube Watts = SS Watts ??

#62
JimmyM said:
I couldn't care less what average Joe listeners think. Either it passes my test or it sucks. Using average Joe listeners as your barometer leads to being average.
Click to expand...
The point I was trying to make is this: Is your perception of your amp's sound more important, or the perception in some cases, of the 2000 listeners in the audience? if Joe Average thinks it's great, is his opinion and paid ticket money less important than your opinion?
 
#64
byacey said:
The point I was trying to make is this: Is your perception of your amp's sound more important, or the perception in some cases, of the 2000 listeners in the audience? if Joe Average thinks it's great, is his opinion and paid ticket money less important than your opinion?
Click to expand...
Absolutely it's less important, because Joe Average is not playing the bass...I am. When Joe Average wants to play bass in his own band, then he can choose whatever gear he wants. In my bands, I rule.

logdrum said:
Tubes are hollow - ish

Which is likely to electrocute you more , i.e. more likely to stop your heart, SVT-CL or a TC electronic of similar wattage? Just curious.
Click to expand...
The electricity that goes into an SVT is different than what goes into a micro? LOL...that's a good one!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Wisebass and Admiral Akbar
#65
All I know is that in the 70's-80's bass amps were pretty low watts compared to today. Yet we got so loud we had to use ear plugs. None of the Peavey's I used in the 80's maxed more than 300 watts. Speaking of the Peavey Combo for instance. 300 watts and one 15" Black Widow. It was a well rounded, loud combo. The Peavey Databass combo. 300 watts and a 15" combo in a large box. Loud as H3LL! In the 70's I used an SVT/810 and I NEVER needed more watts. Ever.

So you have all thes amps today claiming that much wattage and more-- I think it's all baloney. I believe some of the high end amps like Mesa Eden etc. provide real watts. But for everyone else it's a marketing tool. If it ain't boutique you can't believe the specs anymore. The tube watts always have seemed louder to me. Tried an SVT with 2 x 810 cabs lately? Try that with a puny combo! But OY my poor back. So yes, to my ears tube watts are truly louder.
 
#67
Llewellen said:
A reputable cab maker told me recently that 50W from an all tube amp head is the equivalent of about 300W from a SS head. That seemed odd to me. I'm not an EE but it seems to be that, measured at the output of the amp, Watts are Watts. Or was he perhaps meaning to refer to damping factor?
Click to expand...

If you don't trust the "reputable cab maker" why don't you find out for yourself? Plug a 300w tube amp (Ampeg SVT?) and a 300w SS amp (Markbass Nanomark?) into the same cab and report back after playing each of them for half an hour which of the two you think sounds louder...
 
#70
And due to logarithmic ratio of loudness and power more power means (sort of) diminishing returns considering loudness. A 200w amp is only barely noticeably louder than a 100w amp (i.e. not twice as loud) and one would need around 1000w to create a distinctly louder sound.
Because of crest factor the additional power basically goes to providing more headroom to produce transients cleanly and not to adding average perceived loudness. At that point it falls down to overdrive vs. clean characteristics and subjective preferences over such.
 
  • Like
Reactions: jw23mind
#73
JimmyM said:
No it isn't. I find it pretty easy myself.

However, I think it's ridiculous to say musicians choose SS because they have critical listening skills and insinuate that tube amp lovers don't. Then again, seamonkey has been on a crusade to wipe tube amps off the face of the earth ever since he's been on here. It isn't working all that well.
Click to expand...
Dont you use a portaflex? The Traynor YBA 300 is on a whole different level when it comes to tube replacements; It’s expensive and tedious.
 
#78
The Juice said:
Ive been eyeing on the V4b ever since I heard a bassist use it live. Sounded punchy and crunchy through the cab being used. What is your set up, and what kind of music do you play?
Click to expand...

I’m using American Fender and Lakland Jazzes into the V4B and an SVT212. My primary gigs are an original Rock band in the style of Foo Fighters meets Stone Temple Pilots and then a female fronted over band that covers rock, classic rock, pop and country (all with a rock edge).

I have a few rigs but they stay at home!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back