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OTL Tube Amp for Maggie 3.6?


I've heard OTL needs an impedance curve that never drops below 4, and flat is better. I think Magnepan 3.6s drop here and there below 4, and certainly aren't flat.

So, would OTL not work?

I think from what I've read it wouldn't matter, but would getting one with lots of power make a difference (i.e., Transcendent The Beast) or is that irrelevant?
lightminer
lightminer OP
164 posts
 
I mentioned so many things, just to say, lets keep this thread on the topic of OTL amps as applied to Maggie 3.6 or 3.7s (or 10s if there is experience with that out there).
almarg's avatar
almarg
9,670 posts
 
03-25-11: Ahendler
I know that the Zeros are an autotransformer but isn't the big reason of the sound of otl's is because they do not have an output transformer. Now we stick one back into the equation. Seems counter intuitive.
Yes, it does seem counter-intuitive, but the FAQ on the Zero's has what seems to be good rationale:
What is the difference between the ZEROs autoformer and a typical tube amplifier's transformer?

The ZEROs have a few advantages over "typical" tube amp transformers:

A) The music comes out on the same winding wire that it goes in on so the music does not have to pass from a primary winding to a secondary winding.

B) There is no DC current to contend with. When a transformer is made to accommodate a DC field, its audio transparence is compromised.

C) The impedance ratio is very small (16 ohms to 4 ohms, compared to a few thousand ohms to 4 ohms). This simply means that it is much easier to achieve things like, frequency response extremes, than with a "typical" tube amp transformer. The ZEROs sport a frequence response of 2 Hz to 2 MHz.
Regards,
-- Al
lightminer OP
164 posts
 

The MA 3s looks good on power, but I'm trying to stay under 6 figures.
pubul57
3,712 posts
 
You might need that just for tubes on the MA-3:)
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,088 posts
 
A set of power tubes for a pair of MA-3s is $2000.

Wendal Diller told me once that the best he ever heard the MG-20.1s was with a set of MA-2s. Certainly MA-2s have no problem with 3.6s and the like! Years ago a friend of mine ran Tympany 4s with MA-2s- that worked really well too. IMO the trick is to keep the speaker cables short.
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