Cool though the Brown Microphone Amplifier is, it’s no more “solid state” than a magnetic amplifier is. In fact, I can make a better case for the mag-amp being solid-state.

You can turn on a solid-state amp, and it'll be ready to go. Tube amps, however, need a few minutes before they can offer their optimal sound quality and tonal character.

Carbon microphone amplifiers may be rare today, but for all that we’ve touched on them before. Continue reading “A Hundred Year Old Solid State Amplifier” → ...

If you want a little more tonal flexibility, consider a solid-state amplifier like the Yamaha THR30 II Wireless that’s built to model several different types of cabinets and preamps.

SpacePath Communications has announced a 1.5kW C-band solid-state power amplifier, intended to displace travelling wave tubes in satellite up-links. “The outdoor SSPA is suited for replacing aging ...