Tube Amp settings: Triode vs UL; 8 ohm vs. 4 ohm ?


Hi. Advice please. EL-84 tubes. Cary Rocket 88 tube Amp. Klipsch Forte 8 ohm speakers. 
 

I can Triode Class A this amp, or A/B it on UL?

I also am blessed with switches for Ohm: 4 or 8?

 

Speakers efficiency is upper 90’s db

What is the decision process for settings? 
 

128x128moose89

I owned this amp in the past. You need to try the different settings and listen for yourself with your speakers to determine which settings and speaker taps work best.

With the Fortes you will more than likely prefer the 8 ohm tap.

Almost without fail, every switchable amp I have owned has sounded better in the UL or Pentode mode. Most manufacturers voice their amps in UL and add the triode setting as a marketing tool. But every ear is different. Try both and see what you prefer.

 

Oz

 

 

. But every ear is different. Try both and see what you prefer.

This is the simple truth.  +1 The recommendations to try both triode/UL mode and 4 and 8 ohm speaker taps. Purely an individual case by case preference as to what will sound better.

Charles

 

This amp runs KT88 as output tubes, EL84s as drivers and 6922s as input tubes.  I would guess that it would have enough grunt to operate in triode mode even if that means about half the output of ultralinear.  You could also consider operating in different modes for different music/listening conditions.  Personally, I don't like to fiddle, so I wouldn't do that, but it is an option.

I believe that the triode setting will enhance the mid-range whereas the UL is more linear in freq response. That may help you to know what to listen for. There again, this is the theory.