SET, Tetrode, Pentode ?????


Can anyone explain the basic difference between single end triode;, pentode, tetrode, push-pull etc.and why I would want one versus the other?
Have been looking at EAR, BAT, VAC and VTL, all sound good , but have different designs/power, features.
Need some advise.
Thx
jim
jim_gerace
keeping away from costly tubes in a power amp i might suggest a class A ss amp like a pass aleph design that easily performs like a tube set with far greater reliability! the class A aleph is single ended.
Thanks Cornfedboy, that is some interesting reading. Highly recommended!
As i understand it the single ended amps tend to be the low wattage midget amps that are used with the ultra high efficiency speakers. Never heard one but i hear the midrange is so killer it makes up for some weaknesses at the other extreams. Check out the VTL as they are switchable between triode and tetrode and each of those modes offer some advantages for different types of music. Sayas, i compared an aleph with an ARC VT100. Sadly, reliability issues aside, there was no comparison. The Aleph was great on it's own but the ARC walked away from it in top end smoothness and midrange in a side by side comparison. You're either a tube guy or you aint i guess.