Triode vs. Ultra-Linear vs. SET

>>>>Sonicly, is it advisable to set a push-pull tube Amp in triode mode if I've got enough power?

Guess that depends but generally sure. Depends on what you like. Both can do a nice job if done well.

>>>>I've go a 60 watt Rogue Tempest Magnum integrated and I'll soon be receiving a pair of Von Schweikert DB-100's which are 100 db. 30 watts in triode would seem to be enough.

30 watts might be too much! It depends. Different types of noise become an issue at 100db. You could get by nicely with a SET at 2-8 watts w/ a true 100db.

>>Also, sonicly, does a push-pull triode setting approach a SET in quality?

Quality? Sure. But it does not necessarily sound the same from what I've generally heard. But a lot depends on the circuit and how the tubes are driven.

>>>I'm just beginning to learn about ultra linear, triode and SET's and I've got a ways to go. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hey, we all are. You are a David Hafler and Herbert Keroes fan. My advice. How about something to read?

I attach a few things to read if you are as you say "just beginning."

"A taste of Tubes" below has a very basic talk about ultra linear if I remember right.(not always the case)

The first group are real intro general articles.
1) ✔ A Taste of Tubes (50 pages), Sonic Frontiers: http://www.anthemav.com/OldSitev1/frames/tubesfr.html
2) ✮ The National (British) Valve Museum. http://www.r-type.org/static/.contents.htm
3) The Cool Sound of Tubes, E. Barbour: http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/select/0898/tube.html
4) How A Vacuum Tube Works, E. Barbour: http://www.svetlana.com/docs/tubeworks.html.
5) Vacuum Tube Valley FAXs, E. Barbour: http://www.vacuumtube.com/FAQ1.htm.
6) Vacuum Tube FAX, H. Pasternack: http://home.earthlink.net/~busenitz/vac.html.
7) A History of Tube Companies: http://vintagetubeservices.com/page8.html
8) Vacuum Tube Primer, R. Hamm: http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/faq/tubeprimer.html

If you are interested in ultra linear you might want to know a little circuit basics because you have to know the difference between a plate and a grid and how to make a little feedback loop.

http://www.electronicstheory.com/html/e101-1.htm. A short overview of how a tube works beginning on page 37.

More on a triode:http://www.john-a-harper.com/tubes201/
a little harder

The most recent article from Tube Cad Journal. Nice intro to triode circuits. http://www.tubecad.com/articles_2003/Grounded_Cathode_Amplifier/Grounded_Cathode_Amplifier.pdf

Keep ya busy for awhile.

Cheers
I remain,

The Rogue 88 sounds better in triode than it does in ultralinear. Since the Rogue can be set very easily in either mode you should try both and see (hear) for yourself which you prefer.

I compared the Rogue 88 in triode against a 300b SET and found that they are more similar sounding than different. The 300b worked better with single driver speakers (Lowther, Fostex, etc.), while the Rogue had more punch with efficient multiple driver speakers. Also, if you run the Rogue without the cover you can disable the fan, which adds noise. E-mail Mark O'Brien at Rogue and he will tell you how.

Richard,

I own the rogue tempest magnum and find the triode so much better than ultralinear. i find there is much more dimension, texture, and warmth in triode.

Thank You, everyone for your great responses.

Clueless - I'm a reading fool! Nothing like a compulsive personality directed in the right areas. But, you know, a little knowledge can be dangerous.

Thankfully, I do have some face-to-face help from a very knowledgable dealer here in Hollywood, Florida (anybody around here).

Lastly, for now, Has anyone in modern civilization heard the Von Schweikert DB-100's? I'm nearly ready to give out a reward.

Check a pair of used KEDROS at www.subasaudio.com
This is the way to go with SET