Tube Amp Simulation

[Greg]

Hi,

Maybe this has been proposed before, but here's an idea for a tweak for Devialet amps.

As there is is plenty of DSP performance in the Devialet amps, one sound tweak is to add a "tube amplifier simulation".

I.e. similar to what Pass Labs do to some extent in their amplifiers (they do it in the analog domain as part of design tradeoffs) ; some 2nd harmonics are allowed, and 3rd harmonics is OK at higher power/listening levels. Their blind A/B testing has shown that many customers prefer the added "glow" of 2nd harmonics at certain midrange frequencies, and 3rd harmonics overall gave the illusion of greater "slam" and life at higher listening levels. The details of this is a trade secret, but I heard it at a trade show interview with Nelson Pass.

One can assume that Devialet could analyze the behaviour of the best tube amps out there to collect the DSP data.

Controversial and may be hard to market, but an interesting and fun option.

Regards,
Mr Bellrick

Hmm, I moved to Devialet after twenty odd years of valve high end sound. The reason for the move was because the Devialet just simply sounded right, out of the box. When I had valve based systems, I was always very aware of some sound colouration which eventually I tired of, not to mention the outlay of around £400 (that’s the cheap option) every couple of years for new power tubes. 

I don’t think there is any need for what you suggest although I recognise others may disagree and no doubt Devialet’s versatility could allow it, but I would much prefer them to sort out the existing C/I bugs before introducing something new.