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wasteofo2
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Can someone explain to me precisely what harmonics are, and the technical differences between even and odd numbered harmonics?
I just don't buy it. Original sounds to be amplified may have both odd and even harmonics. This is not up to the amp, it has to deal with whatever it gets. If an amp only emphasized even harmonics, then it would not be faithfully amplifying. In particular, any sound that consists mostly of odd harmonics would be distorted.Perhaps tube amps simply emphasise even harmonics instead of only producing them?
Originally posted by wasteofo2
Can someone explain to me precisely what harmonics are, and the technical differences between even and odd numbered harmonics?
I'm sorry, but its just stupid to jump on someone when you have no idea of what you are talking about.Originally posted by Vosh
I'm sorry, but it's just idiotic to come back with an abstruse answer like that to a question asked by a lay person. I've worked out a list of reasons why some ppl. behave this way: They don't really understand
wasteofo2, all amps are meant to reproduce input signal precisely. Distortion of signal happens due to imperfections. As Vosh has found out, distortions that make sinewave look more like sawtooth is adding odd harmonics (in reality its different from sawtooth, but idea would do).Perhaps tube amps simply emphasise even harmonics instead of only producing them?
Originally posted by BigRedDot
OK, I am not too familiar with audio amplification equipment. I have also heard that tube amps are preferred, but I have never heard that it is because analog amps produce even harmonics and electronic devices produce odd ones (I am a little dubious of this claim).
Again, I am skeptical that the reason you give (a simple even/odd dichotomy) is the reason some peope prefer tube amps. If that were really the case then analog amplification of a clarinet sound would leave only a pure tone, since all the clarinet overtones are odd harmonics. But this is not what happens. Faithful amplification means that you accurately amplify a sound -- it's fundamental and all of the harmonic overtones present (both even and odd).
Ok that makes perfect sense. Thank you for the clarification.If you put in a flute sound or a clarinet sound then each harmonic of the sound while suffer some distortion.
Originally posted by BigRedDot
I just don't buy it. Original sounds to be amplified may have both odd and even harmonics. This is not up to the amp, it has to deal with whatever it gets. If an amp only emphasized even harmonics, then it would not be faithfully amplifying. In particular, any sound that consists mostly of odd harmonics would be distorted.
Originally posted by wimms
wasteofo2, all amps are meant to reproduce input signal precisely. Distortion of signal happens due to imperfections. As Vosh has found out, distortions that make sinewave look more like sawtooth is adding odd harmonics (in reality its different from sawtooth, but idea would do).
Nevertheless, don't rush into buying a tube amp, its mostly attribute of hopeless audiophiles who refuse to consider their issues.
You are confused. Function of amp is to have precise amplification. You are talking about something else. Of amps that sound very differently one is pile of crap. Perhaps musicians call about anything that draws power an amp.Originally posted by wasteofo2
Either I'm misunderstanding your point, or you're just plain wrong in saying "all amps are meant to reproduce input signal precisely". Any given amplifier company will have many different models which are supposed to have distinct tonal qualities.
Oh. Though, "sound much better" is typically achieved by pulling bass and treble to the sky in these rings. If its more important that it sounds good instead of right, then sure.As a confessed audiophile, tube amps are the only amps for me. They're louder than solid state amps with the same size speaker and wattage, they're much more easy to customize and, at least to me, they sound much better as a whole.
Originally posted by wimms
You are confused. Function of amp is to have precise amplification. You are talking about something else. Of amps that sound very differently one is pile of crap. Perhaps musicians call about anything that draws power an amp.
Originally posted by wimms
Oh. Though, "sound much better" is typically achieved by pulling bass and treble to the sky in these rings. If its more important that it sounds good instead of right, then sure.
Though, with really good amps you'd starve before you could note any difference.
Originally posted by Integral
We must separate Heavy Metal from main stream when it comes to sound amplification. In Heavy Metal distortion is a desirable feature. I would bet that the signal is over driven at every possible step of the way. Over driving an amp tends to induce clipping, which results in square waves, thus odd harmonics.
Now with this in consideration, I am surprised that you prefer the the tube amp and its tendency to favor even harmonics (as you claim) as this would tend to damp out the odd harmonics you are attempting to force. Hummm...
What you seem to be saying is that the solid state amp reproduces the effects I am trying cause TO FAITHFULLY.
Perhaps some of the engineering types can add to this.
Originally posted by wimms
You might find this interesting to read and play with:
http://www.mindspring.com/~j.blackstone/dist101.htm
Harmonics are sound waves that have frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency. In other words, they are tones that are produced at frequencies that are whole number multiples of the lowest or base frequency.
Even numbered harmonics have frequencies that are multiples of 2, while odd numbered harmonics have frequencies that are multiples of 1. For example, the second harmonic of a base frequency of 100 Hz would be 200 Hz, while the third harmonic would be 300 Hz.
Harmonics are produced through the vibrations of a sound source, such as a string or a column of air. The vibrations of the sound source cause the surrounding air molecules to vibrate at the same frequency, creating a sound wave with that specific harmonic frequency.
Understanding harmonics is important in fields such as music, engineering, and physics. In music, harmonics are used to create different tones and pitches, while in engineering, they are used to design structures that can withstand vibrations. In physics, harmonics are important in understanding the properties of waves and their interactions.
The presence of even and odd numbered harmonics can greatly affect the perceived quality of sound. Even numbered harmonics can create a smoother and more pleasing sound, while odd numbered harmonics can create a harsher or more dissonant sound. The balance between even and odd numbered harmonics is important in creating a desired sound quality.