The fundamental distinction is SET/SEP and push-pull tube amplifiers. Push-pull can be class AB but also pure class A as well. SET (DHT) SEP (Pentode) are class A by default. For example, the tube push pull amplifiers I had suggested earlier are class A circuits. Granted that class AB is the more common circuit approach. Charles |
As touched on by @laynes: When considering your budget for a tube amp I think you should be aware of possible extra costs for new/old tubes. When you go to your limit with the amp itself but soon find that new 300Bs would be something then that´s serious extra costs. |
@charles1dad I don’t want to argue semantics and even yield that you are probably correct in the way you define it. (pentode vs ultralinear). but to me the sound isn’t that much different between them. I recommend the simple, single output tube per channel, directly heated triode, single ended, tube amp to get the nimble, crystal clear, and dynamic sound we chase. But you have to have speakers that are compatible. BTW, I own an excellent example of the pentode push-pull amp that sounds excellent. I'll be getting rid of it in favor of the SET I prefer. Jerry |
The Octave v70 SE is excellent. Here’s a review fyi… https://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/equipment-menu/423-octave-audio-v-70-se-integrated- There’s one used available now that’d save you mucho $$$… Another good one to look into is the Audio Hungary A50i. Best of luck. |
To be clear it was not my intention to argue semantics. I was just pointing out that tube amplifiers can be either single ended (SET and SEP) or push pull (PP). Furthermore PP can be class A or class A/B. Perhaps I interpreted your post incorrectly. But it seemed to suggest only class A/B amongst non SET amplifiers. I was attempting to supply clarification. For the record, I am also an advocate of SET amplifiers and an extremely happy long term owner of 300b mono blocks. I concur with your sonic assessment of SET with appropriate speaker pairing. Charles |
