2. amps-preamps
  3. 137416-116545

What is needed to build a tube amp and what non?

What it should it not contain the tube amp? IMO, NFB that press the scene of the sound sending the part of signal back into the previouse stage. Unique amp must be built lineary without NFB, /in some causes linearity doesnt mean best sound/. IMO, never use tone control that change the sound. If You need more bass, use big bass speaker, if You need more high freeq. - use sensitivity tweeters, if You need meedle fr. - use sensitivity fullrange not less 8 inch. IMO, Hi End is back proportional to the number of composite parts - use simple decisions with not cheep parts- cheep parts - cheep sound!. Every passive part change the sound. IMO, in SE iron for OT must be 10-20 time more than output power, /for 5 W never use 5 W OT, but 50-100W/. IMO, in power supply use kenotrones, that provide soft start and soft amazing sound. Every time use iron chock and hmmm will be far from Your ears. IMO, do not use iron enclosure that collect noises....But your opinions?
azazello
azazello OP
63 posts
 
Thank You, Peter! Y''re welcome!
azazello OP
63 posts
 
IMO, in PP when signal cross  0 between 2 output tubes, cause sharp and metal sound, that people sense like detail. And I think PP is not for HiEnd in more situation. PP is for driving with big power several speakers with different sensitivity....More suitable for HiEnd is SE with big OTs with it warm and fresh sound. Signal is amplified in one work zone. / I use SE EL11 Telefunken - 1 W in triod and I think this tube is the best for all the times/.
azazello OP
63 posts
 
IMO, Im not a specialist, but I think the sound from closed box with or without whole is deformed by the compretion of sound waves and not be real. I think real sound, like from opera, simphon. scene is from open box, like horn or better oppen bufle with fullrange for 50-14000 Hz /can de added twiter for Hi freeq./ and bass speaker /together/ for 30-50 Hz. /I listen in my home fullrange with bass/.....I think closed towers  with more speakers are for regular public. Aftrer all this, I think, HiEnd is something High....acc. my criteria...
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
A component that’s extremely important, unless you’re building an OTL, the quality of the output transformers is critical to the sound of the amp.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello azazello,
I agree with Peter (PBN Audio) that is quite an impressive collection of amplifiers you have built. You’ve certainly been busy the last 20 years 😊.
I am an aficionado of SET amplifiers than eschew NFB and utilize very good quality output transformers and stout power supplies. I own 1 SET and 2 push pull tube amplifiers and all 3 are enjoyable but the SET stands out as the better sounding of this group. It is more pure and natural in presentation as well as more open, nuanced and engaging.

However there are push pull amplifiers that undeniably produce excellent sound quality. I can understand their appeal of increased power and definitely more speaker choice flexibility. I don’t find it possible to proclaim a specific topology the best. Even though SET personally is the most satisfying in my listening experience I can’t declare it’s the best option for everyone.

There are many listeners as happy with all manner of amplifier types as I happen to be with SET. This wide selection of choice is the beauty of High End Audio.
Charles
More to discover