2. amps-preamps
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What's a Triode configuration?

It was suggested that for future consideration that if I upgrade, that the selection of a Triode preamp with Solid State regulation combined to a Solid State Amp would be a better musical combo to me. My dreams are to look for Audio Research when I do but, would an AR pre amp fit this description? or would I be considering some different brands? as I don't know the differences or how to distinguish them when referring to tube equipment?
rsjm80
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Of course as Jeffreybehr points out all low level signal amplification is done with triodes, often the ubiqutous 12AX7, and its clones. The alternative to a triode is the pentode, which is used in power amps that have transformers. The extra grid in the tube is used to apply feedback from the transformer secondary winding so as to correct frequency response deficiencies of the transformer, and, as a secondary purpose, to reduce distortion.

IMHO your shopping list should not be constrained by arbitrary factors like the type of tube. You might not like the sound of triodes.
meisterkleef
146 posts
 
Audiogabby - sounds like you have a gain mismatch as opposed to an impedance mismatch. An impedance mismatch will usually result in prematurely rolled-off bass and treble. You are seemingly describing overloading the input stage of your amp. You need to pad down the output of your preamp. The easiest way is to get an outboard attenuator of some kind. The best way though is to see if the manufacturer of your preamp is able to lower the gain structure and if so send it in for updating.
rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Judy426 Is it actually a deficency with the AR or just a compatabilty mismatch between componets and ICs? I have been pretty fortunate with my matching and get very nice sound but I have been careful as to what I had and how I've changed. Also I have a great counsouler to toss opinions off of too. Right now I was looking as to how I tell differences between a pentode design and/or Triode, are all the AR Pre Amps/line stages Triode or what design would they be? Wanting AR is my personal choice I have always loved them and they were always out of reach for me, it's my personal dream. Now if Sonic Frontiers or another Pre was a better choice I am open to it I'm not being closed minded by any means, when I make a consideration for a seperate amp it will be a Classe though, becuse that was the reference for my speakers and I am hearing the joy of that matching and from the power cord changes I've made, so there I'm being unflexable at this time but, a Pre Amp to match might not be the AR as I would like and I'll have to ask at the time of that impemding change still again. We all have dreams and at this time AR is my first choices.
judy426
228 posts
 
You seem to be emotionally attached with this dream of owning a ARC product. If that's the case follow your dream but also know you have not purchased the best value for your money. Time was when ARC was one of the best high end lines available. Unfortunately that time has passed and many newer and more innovative manufacturers have stepped all over ARC. Once again check out products from Sonic Frontiers, BAT, VAC, Rogue, Joule, Aesthetix, Supratek,etc. They are demonstrably better, more engaging, and sonically superior to ARC which has long been living off past laurels. There will inevitably be some ARC defenders posting to the contrary because they have invested unwisely in the line and can't deal with it.
rsjm80 OP
207 posts
 
Judy426, I do want to thank you for your opinion and your suggestions, I don't want to be close minded concerning my future choice so when I am in position to be doing so I hope that you will be available to offer me an opinion when I have selected an amp at that time. But still what makes a Triode configuration different from say a Pentode? and what are some basic considerations in matching a Solid State amp with a tube Pre Amp? I'm not clear as to how the impedance matching works? (I do understand impedeance on a more simple level though).
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