Transformer coupled vs Capacitor coupled?

Sound quality
1st Direct coupled using a good dc servo (most transparent/dynamic)
2nd a Good quality Cap (large enough not to roll off the bass too early)
3rd Transformer coupled (using good transformers)

Cost to make, lowest first.
1st Direct coupled ($10-20)
2nd Cap coupled
3rd Transformer coupled.

Least distortion/coloration’s (lowest first)
1st Direct coupled (always lowest, if good design)
2nd Capacitor coupled
3rd Transformer coupled

Lowest output impedance (good to drive next piece of equipment)
1st Direct coupled (lowest from DC to wherever)
2nd Capacitor coupled
3rd Transformer coupled.


No-brainer, direct coupled wins out, cap comes in second.

Cheers George

Guys,

This is awesome and at some point would like to hear a direct coupled tube pre in my system! From my basic research, it's hard to discern if the pre is direct coupled on both in/outputs or if the transformers used are capable of a wide bandwidth; seeing vague terminology...

C or EI cored signal and power transformers are phenomenal but are pricey and would cost almost half of the cost of the pre if they are truly direct coupled.

I know it going to be a costly adventure and knowing that it's solidly designed with quality parts and layout may make the journey worthwhile.

Now the question still remains if more dynamics or transparency will come through as brightness or more forward sounding compared to capacitor coupling? But I guess one can still tube roll in pre or amp to attain the sound they prefer knowing that it's a much quieter pre : )

Wig

wig OP
This is awesome and at some point would like to hear a direct coupled tube pre in my system!

I believe from what he says, "maybe" Atmasphere’s pre "could" be "direct coupled from input to output" ask him precisely that.
I can’t believe there’s no coupling cap/s somewhere between input and output somewhere.
But then it’s a shame if the rest of the system is not true direct coupled also?

C or EI cored signal and power transformers are phenomenal but are pricey and would cost almost half of the cost of the pre if they are truly direct coupled.

Don’t get into the thinking that "coupling transformers" and "coupling caps" are some kind of "magic music making components", their not, they are in many designs a necessary evil to have. Proper direct coupling using a good dc servo control, nails them every time in all avenues of music reproduction except for one "coloration".

Cheers George

@ georgehifi

With direct coupling, are the type of tubes used important? I have owned only capacitor coupled and preferred those with 6SN7s over 12AX7, 6922 small variant tubes; just more body and dimension with 6SN7...

I don't have any direct coupling components, my KT88 Amp and tube Dac is capacitor coupled as well. Do you know of any reasonably priced DC pre-amps I can read up on and possibly add to my system?

Thanks Again,
Wig

Like I said ask Ralph (atmasphere) he the one who says he has a direct coupled tube preamp, whether it's "dc coupled from input to output" only he can say, and what tubes he uses.

Do you know of any reasonably priced DC pre-amps I can read up on and possibly add to my system?

Nearly all "good" solid state preamp should be DC coupled with dc servos, from input to output. It should say it in the features and specs (dc coupled throughout)

PS: Just looked at the Atmasphere preamps, they are "not direct coupled from input to output", there are capacitors in the signal path.
He only says the output is direct coupled. (just the output has no caps or transformers)

Cheers George