I guess I'm a bit surprised that we're arguing over this particular thread. Bren's comment seemed so obviously intended to be sarcastic and humorous that I just chuckled and moved on. I guess it helped that I was still wondering what a "mullard" was at the time...
I'm sure Bren has made worse comments in other threads
On the tube vs. SS thing, I remember reading somewhere that "the tube sound" was often more than just additional, gentle harmonic distortion :
- generally higher power supply voltages and "softer" clipping
- greater ability to support decent power in a class A design reducing/eliminating crossover notch and nonlinearities on low signals
- even in class AB designs, ability to live with higher bias currents so again less crossover notch
I'm not sure that all of the "tube advantages" are even truly unique to tubes, but it does seem possible that there is more to "the tube sound" than just a higher level of harmonic distortion.
Having said all that, though, I'm with Bren in terms of picking on anyone different (ie tube afficionados) -- anyone as passionate as "the tube crowd" about something as non-life-and-death as tube vs. SS amplification is going to be a ripe target for snide comments.
2x6, you have always been very level-headed about your beliefs and preferences so strictly speaking there is no justification for aiming these comments at you, but when you put on the "tube" uniform in the morning you know that taking a risk is part of the job
Anyways, guys, enjoy the weekend !
John
