If talking about sound, which type of amp makse most similar soft warm sound like tube amp? Which op amp is closest?
For pre-amp / voltage amplification you could look at mosfets with schade feedback, which have triode-like curves:
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/schade-common-gate-scg-preamp.380487/
The same principle can be applied to power amps.
https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/schade-common-gate-scg-preamp.380487/
The same principle can be applied to power amps.
You might want to look into static induction transistors. They’re popular on the Pass forum but getting rare and expensive now. Still like 1/10 the price of a 300b though 🙂
Which clarinet reed makes today's clarinet players sound like Benny Goodman?
The # 1 reed, or the # 1.5 reed?
I think the make of the clarinet, the embouchure, and the persons diaphragm have just as much influence on the sound.
Not to mention the tongue technique, rhythm/timing, etc.
At our club listening sessions, if things get too serious, I shout out, Hey! that sounds like he is using a # 2 reed!
For an amplifier, I believe the signature is not only dependent on the output device(s), it also depends on the architecture of the circuitry, negative feedback or not, where that negative feedback is, and the load that the loudspeaker presents to the amplifier.
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The # 1 reed, or the # 1.5 reed?
I think the make of the clarinet, the embouchure, and the persons diaphragm have just as much influence on the sound.
Not to mention the tongue technique, rhythm/timing, etc.
At our club listening sessions, if things get too serious, I shout out, Hey! that sounds like he is using a # 2 reed!
For an amplifier, I believe the signature is not only dependent on the output device(s), it also depends on the architecture of the circuitry, negative feedback or not, where that negative feedback is, and the load that the loudspeaker presents to the amplifier.
Art
Science
Black Arts
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On a slightly related question, has anyone ever tried to simulate a tube transfer function in real time using a DSP? Something like ADC+DSP+DAC?
There are not actively produced anymore. Fakes are already showing up on Aliexpress and eBay even with the unique package. Like I said check out all the threads on the Pass forum especially the 2SK2087C thread. Here's something to get you started. https://www.firstwatt.com/sitintro.html
Plenty of guitar amps and studio effects gear have. Can't say anyone has done it with hifi.
Thanks! I'm not really familiar with modern guitar amps. Time to do some googling.
To me, there is no such thing as "tube sound".
As 6A3sUMMER points out in post #5, multiple devices all determine a resulting sound.
Particularly speakers, and their placement.
So going for a particular audio "experience" involves the choices of ingredients and their abilities/contributions.
As 6A3sUMMER points out in post #5, multiple devices all determine a resulting sound.
Particularly speakers, and their placement.
So going for a particular audio "experience" involves the choices of ingredients and their abilities/contributions.
For some people, "Tube Sound" is the sound of a single ended pentode amp based on ECL82, ECL86, or 12A*7 with EL84 or similar - a cheap 1960's console 🙂
100% agree. Different tube amps sound different like anything else.
Besides it seems to me that if you want Scotch drink Scotch. If you want Beer (or Bier) than drink Beer. No sense trying to make Beer taste like Scotch or vice versa.
A solid state system/amp can have a "tubish" sound if you pair it with a set of large speakers with floppy boomy bass.
Tonal quality is controlled by so many factors, that's why I don't buy into something called tube sound.
My one (built by me) tube amp, when compared to my solid state receiver in A/B testing sounds identical to it.
Yet the tube amp in my console stereo with 12 inch woofers and reinforced cabinet naturally has a much different "voice".
There are just too many variables to justify the use of "tube sound".
I might be imagining that it is a good tube amp replacement because of his description but the LM60Mk2 from Ampslab got me to retire my Kegger/Blueglow single ended tube amp.
If I sit in the sweet spot and listen to 'audiophile' music the tube amp has an edge in the holographic department but the LM60 is plenty pleasant for long periods of listening and has the full sound that I associate with tube amps. I tried switching back to the tube amp for awhile and I missed the dynamics of the LM60 so I switched back and have been listening to it for a few months now. I've used the Akitika, LM3886DR, Rod Elliott PA3 and a couple icepower modules in the same setup and wasn't as happy with any as I am now.
I agree with the others about 'tube sound' having different definitions depending on the amp, person and associated equipment,; so I just go by what I enjoy listening to.
I've thought about building an H2 and playing with it on some of my amps.
If I sit in the sweet spot and listen to 'audiophile' music the tube amp has an edge in the holographic department but the LM60 is plenty pleasant for long periods of listening and has the full sound that I associate with tube amps. I tried switching back to the tube amp for awhile and I missed the dynamics of the LM60 so I switched back and have been listening to it for a few months now. I've used the Akitika, LM3886DR, Rod Elliott PA3 and a couple icepower modules in the same setup and wasn't as happy with any as I am now.
I agree with the others about 'tube sound' having different definitions depending on the amp, person and associated equipment,; so I just go by what I enjoy listening to.
I've thought about building an H2 and playing with it on some of my amps.
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From above message by Member invaderzim: I've thought about building an H2 and playing with it on some of my amps.
Works quite well to do a tube-like sound.
Works quite well to do a tube-like sound.
My approach is tube preamplifier driving clean classA solid state amp.
Depends on the circuit. Here's a classic op-amp guitar overdrive element;
For small signals, the trans-characteristic is linear, but then starts to bend as signal level going into it is increased. Put in a wide dynamic range signal, it's going to get clipped. Something like what happens when a tube amp is overdriven; good enough to put in a box with a 9V battery, other support circuitry and sell it.
I dont know what happens when you play recorded music through something like this. I'm sure it would need to be dialed in so that its effect isnt dominating the whole sound, as it is in a guitar stomp box. If that's done successfully, does it end up "warm"?
You can use low voltage Zeners in series with the diodes shown, to get even less of an abrupt change from the linear portion of the transfer function to the curved part.
One would think someone's DSP would allow you to load in any arbitrary transfer function curve file, linear with a slight bend beginning at some amplitude. But no one would want to do that, so I guess there's no market for such an idea.
Short answer: none. Period.
That said, your question is misleading: OpAmps, by definition, have no sound of their own.
They are (or approach) ideal gain blocks, flat and clean, and their response is fully determined by what elements you use in the NFB network.
In principle, and with the proper elements/circuit (which is not easy), an Op Amp can put out "any" amplitude and frequency response you ask from them, so also a triode/pentode/whatever imitation.
Again, it will be as good a copy as the designer is clever.