[bmckenney]

Is there a thread in the archives that does a good job of explaining the differences in sound between these two types of AVA amplification?  I've read the product copy on the AVA website and that helps, but I'd like to read some threads.  I know there was a good thread on the line stage differences which I found helpful and was hoping there is one on power amps too.

Also, it is often stated that the same power output from a tube amp is greater than a solid state amp.  Not greater from a power perspective, but from a drive perspective I guess.  Stated another way, if a speaker needs 100 watts of power, then sometimes a 60 watt tube amp can do the job.  I'm not sure how to explain this any better.  I really just want to know if the same thinking applies with the Fet hybrid amps.  The reason I ask is my speakers need 200 watts min (I don't need high current though, just volts basically) but if a Fet Ultra 350 at 160 watts can do the job of an Insight 440 at 220 watts then I'm pretty sure I'd go for an Ultra 350.  But if this isn't applicable thinking because the FET is a hybrid and does not have power output tubes, then I guess I probably can't get by with the Ultra 350.  And I'd have to slum it and go with a lowly Insight

Bryan

[WGH]

Look for martyo's posts in this thread:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=63500.0

and here is something else to think about:

So, one of you guys took me up on my offer to turn the demo Insight 440H into an Insight Double 440H and we got it up and running yesterday.

Well!  My goodness!  It is so close to the sound of the big Ultra Double 550 that it is almost scary.  Same dynamics, same musicality, a bit less power (225 watts per channel).

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=63500.msg588310#msg588310

[avahifi]

Note that an Ultra 350 hybrid amp actually does make 200 watts per channel, and an Ultra Double 350 even a bit more than that.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

[bmckenney]

Note that an Ultra 350 hybrid amp actually does make 200 watts per channel, and an Ultra Double 350 even a bit more than that.

Regards,

Frank Van Alstine

The website says 160 watts in to 8 ohms.  Where does the 200 watts come from?  In to a different impedance load?

Bryan

[mark funk]

It seams like for years Frank's amps put out more then he said they do. Maybe that goes back to the 70s, when people would make a lot of clams about the power of a said amp, being two or three or more times the power it realy was. I remenber seeing resevers rated at 1000 watts per. I would say if Frank said it puts out 250 watts it's going to make 250 or more. I have heard the Insite 440H and Ultra 550 and booth are more then fine amps I could live with ether one but I like the Ultra better.
  When well we get spell check back? I need it!

                                                   
                                                   

[mark funk]

I need that spell check. I heard an Insight 440H not an Insite 440H 

                                                     

[Wayner]

Yooour speeeling is fineee. Relazzzxx and taake youur shoeees off. We allll gette whaaat youu meean.

(I need it too!) Engineers can't spell for shitQ!

Wayner

[Tone Depth]

I need that spell check. I heard an Insight 440H not an Insite 440H 

I think some people are writing their posts in Word, to be able to use spell check, and then cutting and pasting into their post.  You might want to consider that, for some degree of convenience.