[guf]

I have a new kt88 tube amp that i built at class here in san francisco. I'm getting a slight distortion when playing at higher volumes. maybe the 40 push pull watts isnt enough to really turn it up with my Salk SS8s? I'm wondering is what it sounds like when the amp isnt powerful enough?   or there could be a bunch of other variables that could be wrong.  But the simple thing would be i'm just pushing it too hard.

[JerryM]

Your description  could certainly be clipping.

Clipping can sound differently between different amps. Some amps clip gracefully, and sound like you've described. Some amps clip hard, and after you crap yourself a little you run for the 'off' button. Both situations are bad.

Frank Van Alstine has some great stuff written about amplifier power and clipping in his old Audio Basics Newsletter. It would be worth your time to peruse his thoughts.

I'll try to find the article and add it to this post.

On a more personal note, picture being at the Hollywood Bowl... It's a beautiful night, and the London Symphony Orchestra, in its entirety, is playing the living hell out of "In the Hall of the Mountain King", with all they've got.

From the highest highs, to the lowest lows - do you think it would sound like 40 watts?

edit: Audio Basics Newsletter from Frank Van Alstine. Start reading at the second paragraph of page 32. He's discussing phono cartridge distortion, but the power discussion is relevant.

Have fun,

Jerry

[SET Man]

Hey!

  Whew! I thought this was about solid state amp  You really don't want to know or hear when SS amp clipped, likely your tweeters will be dead.
   
   I'm not familiar with your speaker but as for tube amp. They don't clip like SS amp. They will just run out of steam when pushed to the limit and won't get louder and start to sound compressed and distorted depending on the amp.

Take care,
Buddy