Subjective difference between solid-state & tube...

[Guest]

08:45 EST. No coffee. I had an epiphany. As I listen to Pinchas Zukerman (violinist) play with the Royal (UK) Philharmonic Orchestra, I can articulate how the Schiit Magni3 sounds different from the Schiit Vali2 (with their stock NOS tube). A 2016 Decca DDD-disc ripped to FLAC.

The Vali blends the music.

The Magni articulates the different instruments (So, THAT’S what is meant by a headphone or output device being ‘analytical’). The Vali might be easier to listen to over prolonged sessions; however, if I want to hear the actual finger work, I plug my cans into the Magni.

 

[Volbet]

That's not really a subjective difference. That's a pretty tangible, objective difference.

Most modern solid state amplifiers are made with the express purpose of being transparent.

A lot of old tube equipment is made with the same purpose, but it's a lot harder to achieve, since vacuum tubes have inherent limits to the wattage range they can work with.

 

Even the Vali is pretty neutral in terms of tube amplifiers. Especially since the tube amplification on takes place on the pre-amp stage.

[SansVarnic]

-= Locked =-

 

Better posted as a status update.