Calling all SET fans

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.

Schubert if you are going to listen to some Omega Speakers, try to make sure that they are using the RS5 driver. Compared to the older hemp, it's much warmer, has lower bass and just sounds better. The difference is not small.

Schubert,
Why not listen to DeVore 0/96 or 0/93? Maybe Rethm? Coincident Triumpth? Each several times, perhaps six or seven times your budget, but hey, maybe "you can s-t-r-e-t-c-h a bit". Rob