Tekton Double Impacts

Hi Aric, 
I really appreciate your clear and thorough answer.  Some really hard core diehards tend to favor AC heating particularly for the 45 and 2A3 tubes. The 300b seems to be the dividing point  (in terms of power) and above this level (say 211 or 845) then DC is preferable for the reasons you gave. 

I've had some very experienced builders say the same as you in that DC can sound every bit as good as AC. Given your knowledge I was interested in your take on this topic. Thanks again. 
Charles 

Tom,
It sounds like you're having a ball with your new KT 88 SEP amplifier.  You may not be able to contain yourself once you get the DI SE paired with this amplifier 😊. 
Charles 

Aric - Thanks. Really impressive to get no hum with AC heating on this type of tube.  
Scott

@david_ten - Yes, I recall you mentioning getting the front end in place, and all of that worked out first. I hope that's following a good path and things are working out! As far as the options for an SE amplifier, the 845/211 is definitely going to have more power and slam over a 2A3, and arguably more SET tone than the KT88 in my Transcend SE, but also requires a much more robust parts list to get it to work. The chokes and transformers need to be able to handle 1,000 volts continuously for the 845/211, and it also requires double the capacitance, and many series parts in the power supply to handle those voltages (most caps, chokes, transformers, etc. rate a maximum voltage of 500-600 volts). So the build of an 845/211 amplifier is almost double the cost. That said, I believe the KT88 in the Transcend sits right in between a 2A3's midrange and an 845's power- and won't break the bank. The 150's are a quite a bit brighter and larger sounding than the 88's in this amp, but don't quite have the midrange lushness of the 88's. Aric

@sbayne  and @charles1dad - You're very welcome! Aric