interstage transformers vs. coupling capacitors


Got a question for all you dht/set types. Looking to purchase a 300b kit from either sun audio or audio note. The fundamental difference between these amps is the sun uses an interstage xformer while the audio note uses a coupling capacitor. The sun is also 2000 bucks more expensive. Does anyone care to compare/contrast these amp designs. My speakers are living voice avatar obx @94db and 6 ohms. Both amps are parallel single ended as I'm afraid one 300b at 9 watts would not be enough. I listen to many double bass concertos (Edgar Meyer). Also, to any of you 2a3 users out there, do you get enough badwidth on the lowther and similar type drivers to be satisfied with my music tastes listed above? One other thing, anyone care to compare a DRD (direct reactance drive), with the above configurations?
Thanks,
Mark
mdoughty

Showing 1 response by twl

If interstage transformers are done right, they can sound better than resistor/capacitor coupling. Sun Audio does it right. Harvey(Dr Gizmo) Rosenberg was orgasmic over the Sun Audio kits.

I agree that if your speakers can go as deep as you need, the single 300b can do it. The single will not be as tight in bass dynamics as a SS amp, but the tone quality will be very good, and will likely be better with a single 300B.

I believe that Direct Reactance Drive is another name for choke-loading, and is a very good way to provide better linearity in the circuit. My 45 SET amp is using choke loading and I like it real well.

Lowther type speakers generally will reach only as low as the lower 40's in bass response. The driver's resonant frequency is about 36Hz, and there is a large impedance spike at that point, that limits performance below that. However, everything else is quite nice for a SET amp. If you can live with 40Hz, fine,then Lowthers will do beautifully.