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10W ?

Posted by Janos (A) on October 6, 2007 at 18:36:14

In Reply to: DIY 300b SET 10 Watt AMP posted by ectobia on October 6, 2007 at 14:39:38:

Hello;

The 10W is pushing a 300B. The 300B has a plate dissipation of 25W. divide that by 5 to get an approximation of out power that the tube likes.
Do you want to make a lab gear that you need 10W? ;)

Dynamics, bass, and speed of the amp are not simple things. Most of the times, you can improve imaging and bass quality in the SAME amp by lowering the output power. Most of the sonic limitations that hinder dynamics and bass come from the power supply. If you want better bass, better micro detail, you have to upgrade the power supply.

If you keep pushing the power higher, the sound will be more and more strained, more ear fatigue, and much lower listening satifaction. You will be bored with the amp in a few months.

8W is a heck lot of a power with the right speakers. If you need louder volumes, the extra 2W won't add noticeably more - think about more efficient speakers.
In addition, if your current speakers don't work well with 8W SET, then they are not meant for SETs. For a SET, 8W is a LOT.
Watts are almost meaningless when you try to translate them for base quality, dynamics, speed, imaging. The operating points of the output tube are much more critical: the output impedance (and behavior) of the amp has to match the speakers perfectly. By changing the operating points (bias, high voltage), you can dramatically change the sound of the amp.

Have fun + good luck!

Janos

PS: 100$ is very cheap for a good opt.... 300B especially likes BIG iron, that enables enough DC current to flow through. To much DC current throught the OPT = core saturation = loss of bass, feeling of lack of power. I'd say get an OPT that's power handling is rated for at least 20W+.

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