LTA Ultralinear vs SET amps


Linear Tube Audio has compared its amps to SET amps, saying they have all the benefits while also adding thumping dynamics, which is exactly what I am looking for. Yet combing through all the reviews and testimonials, I have trouble finding anybody who has specifically compared their amps directly to an SET, be it a 300B, a 2A3, or an 845, 45, etc. Is there anybody who has done exactly this and give some impressions? I currently have 300B monoblocks and love everything about them -- the big, magical, lifelike soundstage, the air, the detail, etc.. -- except for the slightly anemic dynamics and lack of that toe-tapping factor to really suck me into the music. Is there somebody who can enlighten me as to whether the Ultralinear Integrated might be just what the doctor ordered with my 99dB speakers, or not?
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I have not made any kind of direct comparison, although I have heard the LTA amps that are based on the Berning circuit.  It is a quite dynamic sounding amp, similar in that sense to an OTL amp, but, it is voiced on the lean side.  If you are a fan of the 300b, 845 and 45 sound, my guess is that the LTA is not for you.  The 2a3 single ended amps I've heard (I own an Audio Note Kageki) are a bit leaner, and hence closer to the LTA than the other tube types mention, but, I still suspect that the LTA is leaner an more brittle sounding than most SET amps, including those utilizing the 2a3.

When properly executed, I think that pushpull amps utilizing the tubes you mentioned can deliver a lot of what SET amps can do, but with a little more punch and dynamics.  I would not leave out such designs from consideration, and I would add to the tube types to consider for pushpull amps to include the KT-66 and 6L6.  You could also look at different SET models.  There is quite a range of different sound based on specific models and manufacturers; SET sound is particularly dependent on the quality of the parts, particularly the output transformer, so really good SET amps are NOT low cost, even if the design appears to be simple.

Good luck on your search. 

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300B SET no inherent lack of dynamics, proper matching with speakers, quality of power supply and transformers all have role to play.