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Watts aint watts

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by dnburgess, Jul 28, 2003.

  1. Jul 28, 2003 #1
    dnburgess

    dnburgess

    Jul 20, 2003
    Sydney, Australia
    Proprietor: Bass People, Green Square Music
    I have long been familiar with the practical difference between "valve watts" and "transistor watts". i.e. My hundred watt all valve head sounds louder than my 700 watt transistor power amp.

    But recently I was told that from a practical perspective there are different kinds of transistor watts. In particular, switching mode power supplies (as used in the modern light weight power amps such as the QSC PLX) were not well suited to bass use because they had trouble supplying currents approaching DC at lower frequencies.

    Can any of the more technical members advise whether there is any inherent limitation in switching mode power supplies that make them less suitable for bass applications than "conventional" designs with big transformers / capacitors?
     
  2. Jul 28, 2003 #2
    Petebass

    Petebass

    Dec 22, 2002
    QLD Australia
    The was a thread similar to this recently. The consensus was that that's a very old school type of thinking and isn't true of modern amps.
     
  3. Jul 28, 2003 #3
    Mudbass

    Mudbass

    Jul 25, 2001
    The Republik of Kalifornia
    A watt is a standard measurement. Saying tube watts are different than solid state watts is like saying European liters are different than American liters.
     
  4. Jul 28, 2003 #4
    PhilMan99

    PhilMan99

    Jul 18, 2003
    US, Maryland
    A couple of thoughts:

    * I specifically sought combos (25W & 200W) with good bass-response (low EQ). Fender Bassman does this well, and they have an actual power transformer (not switching power supply).

    * Switching power-supplies are more complex, and more prone to failure.
     
  5. Jul 28, 2003 #5
    brianrost

    brianrost Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 26, 2000
    Boston, Taxachusetts
    Wattage has nothing to do with the TONE of an amp.

    An amp that emphasizes the mids will always sound louder than one that is flatter in response, for example.
     
  6. Jul 28, 2003 #6
    dnburgess

    dnburgess

    Jul 20, 2003
    Sydney, Australia
    Proprietor: Bass People, Green Square Music
    Would you be able to give me the link for that thread - I had a look, but couldn't find it.

    Thanks.
     
  7. Jul 28, 2003 #7
    Petebass

    Petebass

    Dec 22, 2002
    QLD Australia
    I found it.........

    Click Here
     
  8. Jul 28, 2003 #8
    dnburgess

    dnburgess

    Jul 20, 2003
    Sydney, Australia
    Proprietor: Bass People, Green Square Music
    That's great, thanks. Exactly the kind of discussion I was looking for.