software

So we know of at least three different types of distortion.

1. Power amp
2. Preamp
3. SpeakerQuestion is...how would you characterize the sound of each kind of breakup? Can you tell the difference between speaker breakup and power stage breakup?

My understanding of Preamp and Poweramp is that Poweramp (at least in tubies) is more dynamic and warm. Many dislike preamp distortion and regard it as buzzy and mushy.

Yeah...I don't know anything about telling when a speaker starts to break up, but your understanding of preamp and poweramp distortion is spot on.

-power amp crunch is smooth and fat
-preamp crunch is thin and buzzy and often much more agressive that power amp crunch
-speaker break up is real ratty sounding unless it is mixed with one of the above types of crunch.

power amp crunch - AC/DC
pre-amp crunch - most 80's hair metal bands
speaker break-up - Neil Young (Hey Hey My My) - although I think Neil's were actually ripped.

How about tube preamp vs. SS preamp and likewise, pedals and amps?

tube poweramp - warm, thick, smooth, and just insanely cool
solid state poweramp - thin, harsh, and raspy
preamp - square sounding (as in the shape of the waves), sometimes buzzy
speaker - gritty


Originally Posted by ErikHpower amp crunch - AC/DC
pre-amp crunch - most 80's hair metal bands
speaker break-up - Neil Young (Hey Hey My My) - although I think Neil's were actually ripped.Here! Here!
Well said!


Originally Posted by mnbaseball91tube poweramp - warm, thick, smooth, and just insanely cool
solid state poweramp - thin, harsh, and raspy

You sure aren't biased.