Tubes to Watts Ratio

Mike in md is correct, but Mike in ct (that's me) can think of at least 2 other factors. One is how hard the designer "pushes" the tubes in terms of where within their operating envelope are the output tubes running? To get a higher power output, a different designer may operate the tubes in a less linear region and/or with parameters that will shorten the tubes useful life. Second is how conservatively the marketing people rate the product. I'm sure that the technophiles among us can name some others.

Mike,

Not sure because the manual doesn't specify and I cannot seem to find much info on line. My guess is UL, as these were made circa mid 90s when triode wasn't fashionable. On the other hand, they are very midrangey and sound like what I think a triode amp might sound like.

There are a variety of factors that govern the size of transformers. In power transformers, temperature rise can be a big factor- transformers that don't get as hot tend to be larger.

In output transformers, the amount of bandwidth that the transformer has on the low end has an effect on the size, as does the power that the transformer can deliver. If the transformer is set up in a class A amplifier, it might be a bit larger as well.

This is all general...YMMV

Swampwalker, Do you mean to say Mike Sanders has marketing people rating the power output of his amplifiers?

I think its the design choice also.Sometimes,tubes sound better being pushed hard,other times,the opposite.If I didn't need the extra power,I'd lean toward the cooler,lower wattage one,if it sounded the same.I think four EL34's would give abound 30 watts in triode.Cary has some amps that put a lot of watts out for a tube type in one amp,the opposite in one of the other amps,from the same company.