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items: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
items: Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp

Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: Hi Everyone, OK. I have a zen amp and am really happy with it. The zen se84C uses sv83 pentodes run in triode mode. Apparently these are faster than the standard single plate triodes. I would like, at some point to build an "ultimate" SET. Some questions arise, that we can discuss: 1. What tube is best? I believe the 300B is best, thought the 2a# is supposed to be more mellow in the treble? My personal tastes run to more analytical...meaning I don;t really go for TOO much tube in the sound. 2. Is it actually worth the money to build something like this, given I already have a zen and this has mor then enough power for all my speakers? I mean, given my efficient speakers, would a 300B with good OPTs actually add anything to the sound over the se-84Cs? any thoughts are welcome. thanx -akhilesh
creator: akhilesh
date: 2004-03-05T14:01:02-00:00

Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: I am interested in people's thoughts on this as well. I also have a Zen (the Select version, which is the same circuit and tubes as Akhilesh's). I also love my amp but I have noticed in my limited listening experience that the higher-powered tube amps (like Akhilesh's kit from S-5 Electonics and Mark Margiotta's Music Reference - both push-pulls - and even the Paramour's) seem to have more authority in the lower frequencies, even on the single driver speakers Akhilesh and I own. I haven't had enough A/B listening to identify what you lose with this (if anything) but it is something I've noticed. Since I want to build an amp sometime, I will probably do a higher-powered version when I do it (probably a kit, but someday I'd like to do one from scratch). Also, from what I read, it sounds like other than the tube you choose that the power transformers are the key upgrades to make the "ultimate" amp. What transformers do people think are the best?
creator: Phil Wilson
date: 2004-03-05T15:44:07-00:00

Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: Firstly, there is no ultimate anything. With s.e.t.s the imo most important parts are the p/s and opt. If you don't need more power than the zens then may I suggest you take a look here. AB S.E OTL
creator: Andrewbee
date: 2004-03-05T18:32:03-00:00

Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: Hey Akhilesh, except for Welborne Labs 300B amps, all the ones I've heard have that euphonic tube sound that you mentioned you don't care for. If I wanted to make a change just to make a change, I would get a pair of Ron's newer DRD 300B amps without the rectifier tube. Personally, I prefer the 2A3 tube. What speakers are you using?
creator: Seeker
date: 2004-03-05T21:28:28-00:00

Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: HI Seeker, Klipschorns (104 db) & a pair of home built vintage driver full ranges (eff around 94 db) Thanx for the pointer will focus more on the wellbornes. -akhilesh
creator: akhilesh
date: 2004-03-06T17:43:39-00:00

Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: HI Andrew, You are right. It;s always a journey. I heard the OTLs were unstable...is that true? plus they are humongously complex & expensive. -akhilesh
creator: akhilesh
date: 2004-03-06T17:45:01-00:00

Re: Ultimate single ended Triode amp
type: item
description: Hi Guys, Jack G. has some comments from years of working with 300b SET amps. For whatever it is worth. http://www.audioannex.com/showthreaded.php?Cat=&Board=tube&Number=10691&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0 Take care. Steve
creator: Steve
date: 2004-08-04T19:04:31-00:00