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push pull or single ended

First post here and appreciate any replies.  While not new to high end audio, I've never had a tube amp.  Looking to purchase a new amp for my mid/tweeter cabinets in a bi-amped system.  Thinking about a tube amp as I've never had one and have read a lot about them, mostly all positive.  Never having heard a tube amp, I'm wondering if I'd be able to hear a difference between the push-pull type and the single ended type.  Not a huge budget as I'm on a fixed budget.  (63yrs. old and on disability for 20+yrs.)  Appears I could get more watts per dollar with a push-pull amp but don't need a whole lot of watts as this is for the top end of my system.  Also like to get a new SS amp for my bottom end but that's another subject.  Would I be able to hear a difference between the two types of amps?  Thanks for the input.  BTW, not really anywhere I can audition the two types.
128x128injr
injr's avatar
injr OP
3 posts
 
Thanks for all the input.  Lots to think about.  Thumbs up.
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
An easy recommendation are the Dennis Had (Cary) Inspire Audio SE 6L6, EL34, 6550 and KT88 amps. About $1300.
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
Nelson Pass First Watt F2 class A SS amps are also a good choice.
elliottbnewcombjr
5,373 posts
 
Nice idea, I agree, go Push Pull.

Your efficient speakers means you can easily stay in the 25-30-35 wpc power range. That gives you lots of options, lots of competition there.

new, used, vintage.

Having return options is a great means to success.

As mentioned: less power = less weight; less heat; more placement options.

.........................................

some things to be aware of while searching:

a. Some new tube amps, like my Cayin offer two modes of operation: i.e. 22 wpc in Triode Mode or 45 wpc in ultra-linear mode. Not needed, just mentioning it. I and all my friends prefer the more common ultra-linear mode. It’s not really the additional power (especially with efficient speakers), the sound is different, some like Triode for certain types of music and Ultra-Linear for other music.

b. You will discover ’tube rolling’. i.e. my amp can use either 6550 power tubes or KT88 tubes. It came with 6550’s, very nice. After a while, I tried KT88’s. I prefer the KT88’s. The bias for KT88’s is different that for 6550’s, that is a good reason to have easy external bias control.

c. Many tube amps offer easy external Bias control, with external adjusters and meters, I wish my amp had that.


mglik
908 posts
 
An OTL amp was mentioned. After decades as a die hard SET guy, I am now a dedicated Atma-Sphere guy. The Atmas give the detail of a fine SS amp with the musicality of a great SET. The entry level S-30 would be the amp for you. All Atma amps are equally good. The only difference is power and price. Atma’s Ralph Karsten uses a S-30 in his system.
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