Triode mode vs pento mode

I would add to some of the excellent responses above that if you happen to be using 101dB or even more high efficiency speakers, the power will not be an issue at all.

Forgot to add that if you are using an amp that switches between the two, it can also be recording dependent as to which mode actually sounds better, though generally the triode one will. But this is only a generalization.

Al, I wonder if you might be aware of the patent that was originally issued on the ultralinear technique?

To get around it, a good number of companies simply moved the tap. However, the original patent shows that if the tap is correctly placed, you get exact triode linearity with 90% of pentode power. Seems to me this would obviate having a switch.

The funny thing is, the patent is long expired, but so many companies did the work-around (which only approaches triode linearity) that many people (including designers) simply think that thats the way it is!

Thanks Ralph. No, I hadn't been aware of any of that. So by designing in accordance with the principles defined in the expired patent, it is possible to achieve triode linearity with a pentode, while at the same time reducing the power sacrifice to insignificance.

And the reason that approach is often not utilized is simply that designers are unaware of it.

Fascinating, but I'd have to say not surprising!

Best regards,
-- Al

Atmasphere - I would be interested to know if the design if the output transformer will influence whether one way or other is preferable. With both Air Tight ATM3's ( 6L6's ) and Dynaco MkIII's ( EL34's, 6550's ) I prefer ultralinear to triode. In both instances the triode mode loses resolution and screws up the natural harmonic structure. Would this be that the trannies have been optimised for Ultralinear ? or possibly some types of tubes are not good in triode mode ?