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Which one to choose between two 80K$ tube amps?

There are two interesting 80K$ tube amps on sale at Audiogon.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9jhj0-david-berning-co-211-845-otl-tube

The first one is David Berning OTL design with output of 60 Watts.

it looks beautiful. But I had never used OTL amp yet.

I am curious how it sounds with high efficiency speaker.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa27ii-jadis-ja800-flagship-tube-amplifier-six-chassis-best-ever-made-nos-new-old-stock-tube

The second one is Jadis JA800 with 6 pieces and 400watts.

I had used JA500  (only 4 pieces with 350 Watts) from 2000 to 2002 to drive B&W Notilus 801 with utmost authority and unbelievable slam.

It was kind of lifetime experience to own this beautiful and overbearing monster.

But I could not use it during summer time in modest size room.

Thus I let it go and got Silbatone 300B SET amp to drive efficient full range speaker.

350 Watt to 8 Watt

If you have money or hit the Jackpot, which one will you go for?




128x128shkong78
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,809 posts
 
What makes the David Berning amp so special?
The output section topology gets around the traditional limitations of conventional transformers and so allows much wider bandwidth from the output section, regardless of power output. If you are wanting single-ended, this is arguably the best way to go. If you want a bit more power its especially useful, as the traditional issues that limit SET power and bandwidth simply don't exist.

It might be more accurate to call it 'Radio Frequency coupling'. The technique has produced IMO some of the best tube amplifiers made.
mpcrnc
18 posts
 
Ralph,It is really nice to see that you can say nice things about another amplifier.Complimenting a competitor is a rarity in this hobby. I cannot afford the newer Berning amps but have several of his older designs. Dave is a gentleman to deal with and is also brilliant.I think that you are the same.  Thanks. Mike
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
If you are going to spend $80K why ask the clowns on this site for a good answer?
keeferdog
50 posts
 
I owned a nice Woo OTL amp. I LOVED IT. I’m out of the headphone world but had both Jack’ s set and an otl amp, at the same time. The SET was quicker, more transparent and accurate (solid state sounding) The OTL was warm, colored and spongy. Love, love love the sponge, tubey vibe. My .02. 
Good Luck
ferrari330km
1 posts
 
Neither. I'd go with a pair of used Audio Research Reference 600 amps, on Audiogon, $15,000 US. OMG $80,000 US for a tube amp is simply ridiculous. Now even Jadis is selling $5,000 US integrated amplifiers just to stay in business. This COVID-19 will bankrupt a lot of high end audio manufacturers. Can't say I'll miss them. 
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