Calling all SET fans

Al, you know the EE uses 4 6BM8, 2 a side ?
Thanks for the lesson , I really appreciate it .

I was just reading about the cool EE amp. It uses one of the triode sections for the input gain stage which then goes to the other triode section of the other tube to split the phase of the signal. The signal is then recombined in typical push pull fashion in the pentode sections of each tube. At least that's how I think I am reading it.

This phase splitting is the most crucial part of a push pull amp and if not done perfectly can diminish the sound quality of a push pull amp. i think in one of Shindos amps they split phase with an interstage tranny. Al might be able to better comment on the strengths and weaknesses of plitting phase with a tranny vs tube. Jet

Thanks, Jet. Yes, implementation of the phase splitter in a push-pull amp is certainly a critical aspect of the design. I can't offer any particular insight, though, regarding the tradeoffs between use of a transformer and use of a tube for that purpose.

I'd imagine, though, that as with many things in audio either approach can provide results that are either better or worse or similar to the other, depending on the specific implementation and the other aspects of the design.

Best regards,
-- Al

My understanding is use of one output tube versus multiple tubes that must be "integrated" well as discussed above is the inherent advantage of a SET.

The downside is the power limitation and the distortion that comes into play if the amp is pushed hard at all.

So its a very clean pure and simple circuit design that is the benefit but the "slack" must be picked up elsewhere, by the speakers which correspondingly have to be very efficient and a very easy load otherwise you cross into high distortion territory a lot faster than with other more "scaled up" designs.

Shu, I heard the Glow audio Single Ended Pentode design amp at a show a couple years back and thought the sound to be one of the best of show. Very nice product that will not break the bank!! I think think it was running with Audio Note speakers of some sort, or something similar, but not sure.

Some of the Decware amps have also caught my eye for just a bit more.

I think the speakers to be used and kinds of music to be played and how loud more than ever are perhaps the biggest considerations in determining what simple topology tube amp to choose. You can spend as much as one chooses on either amp or speakers depending. The work involved to deliver music realistically never changes, but there are many ways to skin that cat.