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Sonic qualities of SET output tubes?

Can you readily identify a 300B, 2A3, 805, 211, etc., amp’s sound with your eyes closed most of the time?


If so, I’sure would like to hear from you.


Amplifier design and the technology utilized within its confines decides the ‘voice’ or influence it will yield as much or more so than merely the output tubes the designer has chosen to use.


I get that part emphatically. One must hear the amp regardless the type of output tube technology on hand.


And yes, some Pentodes and Tetrodes are used as Triodes but are not indeed triodes by their specific architecture. That’s OK, just focus on their use as Triodes herein, please.


There are however certain tube types, irrespective of vintage which have basic undeniable sonic colors or characteristics, apart from their electrical aspects which keep attracting people to amps which use this or that tube in its output stage.


Some love 211s. some adore 300Bs. Some love EL34s configured to run as Triodes. I have an affinity for the latter. So far anyway. This topic could change my mind.


Has your own experience informed you what this or that output tube’s natural flavor regularly announces itself to be so you can have a reasonable expectation of its general presentation?


What sonic attribute continually attracts you to a particular SET tube design, 300B or some others?


Or, conversely, what is it about the sound that would bring you to covet a 211 amp over a 2A3, for example.


Why as another example, would you pick a 2A3 amp over one using 805s or 300B, 211, etc. or vice versa?


Removing ‘vintages’ and electronic or electrical qualities from the argument, what sonic attributes for the more popular S.E.T. amp output tubes have you determined seem to persist in their particular DNA?


I’m asking for input from those SET tube devotees to lend their experiences and knowledge on the subject of what tube sounds like what irrespective of the SET application, generally speaking.


My goal is to try getting a better feel for which SET Tube amp design, if any, I’d want to pursue and possibly invest heavily into going forward as the soul of a new system.


Tremendous thanks to all!

blindjim
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,526 posts
 
@charles1dad

Here is a picture of the one box solution I referred to especially conceived for you. In fact it was inspired by your system and posts. I see you as the DHT evangelist. Yes, this is a compliment of the highest order Charles. Introducing the 1DaDDHT music making tour de force! 

Ok, I am not talented enough to make this hybrid digital, Class D, DHT, DSD dac, room correction one box unit that I dream of for you and others.

Here is what it could look like if Lyngdorf made it.

http://s1097.photobucket.com/user/grannyring1/media/1DadDHT%20mod/DHT%20Mod_zpspmsxhs4w.jpg.html?sor...
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Great list from Charles1dad, to which I would add
Classic Audio
Audiokinesis

Also Ref 3A are not true high eff but are definitely tube friendly due to part to minimalist crossover. 

Also note that not all horn-loaded speakers look like the Avant Garde horns. 

A couple of other thoughts:
Another way to skin this cat in terms of using moderate power tube amps is the way I am going at the moment...Atma S-30 driving quasi-full range Feastrex field coils above 60 hz.  NHT X-1 Active crossover  250 wpc Class D ss amp driving 2, 10" woofers per channel.  These are DIY open baffle speakers bought from an A'goner in CA.  You reduce the power demands on the tube amp by not requiring it to reproduce deep bass. If you've ever had an amp w power meters, you can watch them swing in time w the bass line. A somewhat simpler way would be to use monitors or single drivers and a pair of powered sub-woofers with built-in crossovers. 

As far as finding desired products in close proximity and/or being able to buy a "turn-key" system at a good price, I'll repeat what I mentioned above...go to one of the good high-end shows.  Despite all of the known problems of auditioning there, you will NEVER be able to hear as wide a range of speaker/amplifier combos at one time as you can at, for example, RMAF or T.H.E Show.  Never been to Capitol or Newport, but they seem to be similar.  If you hear a combo that floats your boat, you can probably cut a good deal on the show demos. 
wolf_garcia
6,728 posts
 
I tried dumping the output transformers and the amp exploded and nearly destroyed my double wide. Lesson learned.
kdude66
1,200 posts
 
wolf,

You should have stayed with the dual toaster outputs,probably wouldn't have issues.LOL.


Kenny.
inna
7,346 posts
 
If " dumping the output transformer " were the best way - everyone would be doing it. Ralph and Davis are not the only capable tube amp designers in the world. This is a complete nonsense.
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