Tube Amp for Devore O/96

I have some research to do I suppose as I don’t know Class A from Class AB or what a pentode is.

Triodes get their name from having three elements- cathode, grid and plate. Pentodes have two more grids as a method of increasing efficiency, but they trade off the additional power they make for linearity. Triodes are about as linear as any amplifying device can get. That is why they can be used to make an amplifier with no feedback.

Class A is where the tube or transistor is conducting throughout the entire waveform. This is usually the most linear portion of the device’s operating curve. AB trades off greater efficiency for linearity. You will see this tradeoff a lot in audio. In class AB the device does not conduct thru the entire waveform; at some power level only one of the two devices (AB is not used in single-ended amplifiers) stops conducting and so the circuit draws less power. Usually class AB amplifiers will need some feedback to make up for the reduced linearity.

I really recommend that if you have a larger room to go with some kind of push pull amplifier. You’ll need the extra power! Its hard to make power and bandwidth at the same time- meaning that with single-ended amplifiers typically 7 Watts is the most power the amp can make and still have hifi frequency response. With push pull you can get amps that make 100 Watts before you start to run into this problem, which in both cases is caused by the output transformer.

There are class A triode amps that are push-pull and there are class AB pentode amps that are push-pull. So there can be a bit of variance in the sound as a result. Usually the pentode amps will have feedback while the triode amps often run none. Feedback can be really tricky because it can add distortion of its own while otherwise suppressing the innate distortion of the amp- leading to a harsher and brighter sound. Those that prefer the zero feedback amps usually do so on this basis- and often with the claim that zero feedback amps are more ’involving’. There is some scientific basis for such a claim, having to do with how the brain processes music. Its normally done in the limbic centers; otherwise transferred to the cerebral cortex if the brain detects an issue with the sound; if that happens the music can lose its emotional context.

@charles1dad 

I haven't yet figured out how to quote a post so forgive me for not including your message in my response. 

I'm hoping to remain under $12k for my amplifier but would be willing to extend my budget for an especially good amplifier if it's not that much more. I'm getting the impression, however, that you might think the Jadis gives me the most bang for my buck?

@flipturn

I have taken into consideration what you said you are sonically looking for and the size/volume of your listening space. As noted previously, you’ve received some really commendable recommendations. I admittedly lean toward DHT-SET options.

However given your stated budget and various factors discussed in this thread I believe that the Jadis DA 50S is a very compelling amplifier for your room and Orangutan-96 speakers.

Ample power in class A.

Push-pull topology with the KT 120.

Highly respected brand that’s very solidly established.

Their components just seem to consistently produce beautifully engaging sound quality.
I don’t believe that you could go wrong with them. Again, I really like the New Audio Frontier DHT push-pull amplifiers but these are quite outside of the stated budget range.

The Conrad Johnson amplifiers are an excellent alternative. Just my opinion but I think the Jadis class A amplifier will yield more of that elusive sonic/musical “magic” (Totally a gut feeling). And, they are so aesthetically elegant.😊

if your listening space weren’t so open and large, I’d push more aggressively toward SET such as what @davehg has.

Charles

Let's look at what John DeVore has as his top 5 amps