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RE: Pentod , Triod , Pseudo-triod , Ultralinear , Push-Pull , etc ,, ???

I don't know of any site that can explain in lay-mans terms the differences/advantages of Class A, AB, triodes, pentodes, push-pull etc. Perhaps I can clarify a little.

First of all, and this is my opinion, although it is shared by many audiophiles; Class A is the only way to fly. This means single ended triode configuration only. Pentodes and other push-pull devices amplify the top half and bottom half of the sine wave separately and then recombine them before the output transformer. Advantages are more rated output but I find Class A has more usable output although this debate still rages on.
While there are hundreds of tube amps out there with multiple output tubes and some being wired so they operate in Class A mode for the first 10-20 watts then switch to AB seamlessly, I believe after critical listening that a single tube amplifier will always sound the best. I have used a pair of 300B SETs for the past five years in my own system and though I have experimented with other tube amps and some solid-state amps I invariably return to the non-fatiguing 300Bs. If your loudspeakers are inefficient, below 90 db/watt/meter, you can explore higher powered SETs as there are plenty on the market ranging beyond 20 watts output.
Mine are 8 watts and drive my 92 db loudspeakers to 100 db which is louder than I really am 'comfortable' with.
For additon info I suggest you go to Arthur Salvatore's web-site (punch in 'high-end audio')

Hope some of this helped.


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  • RE: Pentod , Triod , Pseudo-triod , Ultralinear , Push-Pull , etc ,, ??? - finnman500@hotmail.com 01/18/0910:59:53 01/18/09 (0)

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