"Ian Bell" wrote in message
...
Keith G wrote:


"Ian Molton" wrote



Who says valves have to produce a non-linear output? you can build
perfectly linear valve amps if you try. A linear valve amp and a linear
SS amp rated to driev the same loads, will sound *identical* to each
other in any measurable way.


'Measure' being the operative word. In the real world the difference in
the sound *quality* is night and day AFAIAC.


Is that right? So how do you *measure* quality?



Simple, you need a timing device to time how long it takes you to get fed up
with the sound you're listening to.

For myself, I would use a stopwatch to time a CD/SS sesh playing 90's Bimbo
Pop and probably a calender to time a decent stint of 40s/50s/60/s (even
70s) Jazz, Latin, selected Classical and selected Easy Listening (with a
sprinkling of Laurie Anderson, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell) played only on
vinyl with valve amplification.....

;-)