The problem with all the comparisons to 8 watt SETs...
is that "all else is not equal".
Philefread,
Your 8 watt SET amp IS "loafing".
That 300B tube is capable of more than just 8 watts.
That tube can be used in amps putting out on the order
of 40 to 50 watts. For example, Cary uses it in a
15 watt SET power amp:
http://www.caryaudio.com/products/audio/cad300se.shtml
Therefore, in the context of my discussion on linearity -
the tube is not being taxed at all.
Your 300B SET amp is not limited by the 300B tube - it is
limited by the power supply.
The designer / manufacturer of your amp put in a low power
power supply - so you can't push the tube to anywhere near
its capability.
The manufacturer forced the tube into "loafing" by pairing
it with a relatively "anemic" power supply.
Your speakers may be relatively flat - but they don't have
an absolutely flat 8 ohm impedance. Do your speakers have
voice coils? Voice coils are inductors - and the impedance
of an inductor is not flat - it varies with frequency.
Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
is that "all else is not equal".
Philefread,
Your 8 watt SET amp IS "loafing".
That 300B tube is capable of more than just 8 watts.
That tube can be used in amps putting out on the order
of 40 to 50 watts. For example, Cary uses it in a
15 watt SET power amp:
http://www.caryaudio.com/products/audio/cad300se.shtml
Therefore, in the context of my discussion on linearity -
the tube is not being taxed at all.
Your 300B SET amp is not limited by the 300B tube - it is
limited by the power supply.
The designer / manufacturer of your amp put in a low power
power supply - so you can't push the tube to anywhere near
its capability.
The manufacturer forced the tube into "loafing" by pairing
it with a relatively "anemic" power supply.
Your speakers may be relatively flat - but they don't have
an absolutely flat 8 ohm impedance. Do your speakers have
voice coils? Voice coils are inductors - and the impedance
of an inductor is not flat - it varies with frequency.
Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist