Most of us have experienced a noticeable change in sound quality when changing tubes. Although these changes are almost always attributed to the tube alone, it's not that simple. Actually, it's not the just tube— The difference you hear is tube/amp interaction.
Are vacuum tubes better?
Analog distortion and Digital Distortion. Digital distortion is undesirable whereas analog distortion generates a set of frequencies that are harmonic. This harmonic distortion that vacuum tubes produce give its characteristic analog “warmth”. This is the reason why vacuum tubes sound better.
Do tube preamps sound better?
As a tube creates distortion it produces harmonics which are known as 'even harmonics'. Essentially these are tones which are the same note but are produced higher in octaves. This is why typically a tube amplifier is said to sound better, because the harmonics it produces are much more pleasing to the user's ear.
Do guitar amps still use tubes?
Well over 80% of guitar amplifiers new and existing still use vacuum tubes. Nevertheless, most guitar players won't even consider using anything else. As a guitar player myself, I have to agree. In a side by side comparison, the tube amp always seems to sound a bit “sweeter” than the transistor amp.
Are vacuum tubes still in production?
Yes, they are still manufactured in small quantities for specialized equipment. High voltage/high power applications, audiophile enthusiast vacuum tube amplifiers for those who think they can hear an audible difference.
Why are vacuum tubes no longer used?
In the 1950s, the transistor started to replace the vacuum tube as vacuum tubes were larger, fragile like a light bulb, and expensive. As computing devices started to become smaller in size, transistors were more ideal to use due to their smaller size as well.
How long should amplifier tubes last?
You can expect a conventional amplifier tube to have a service life ranging up to 10,000 hours. Tubes with military specifications are built to last up to 100,000 hours.
How long do audio vacuum tubes last?
Tubes don't just "quit" suddenly. They lose their drive capability gradually with use. Small signal tubes like a 12AX7 or 6922 will work well on average for about 10,000 hours. If you leave your equipment on 24 hours a day, well you do the math: There are 8,760 hours in a year.
How do I know when to change my amp tubes?
- Excessive noise (hiss, hum) including squealing or microphonic tubes.
- Loss of high end.
- A muddy bottom end; Sounds like there is too much bass and note clarity is lost.
- Erratic changes in the overall volume.
- The amp doesn't work!
Do guitar amp tubes go bad?
Sometimes you will hear strange sounds, loss of power, or heavily distort sound. These are signs that a tube is failing. Often power loss that seems like the amp is performing at half power or less will be one or more bad power tubes, or even a dying phase inverter tube.
Do vacuum tube amps sound better?
Tube amplifiers sound better because of the euphonic distortions they add to the music, as well as plenty of other reasons I'll cover below. We use tubes simply because they make the music we create sound better: smoother, warmer and cleaner. Ditto for guitar amplifiers used in creating music.
Do different tubes really make a difference?
The difference can be very large, especially if the existing tubes are old. The old tubes might "test good," but they can sound lame compared to better ones.