OTL amplifiers


Can anyone explain to me, in layman's terms, the advantages or disadvantages of OTL amplifiers? I have heard a lot about them, but have not listened to any to date. I am really a tube fan and want to reach tube nirvana and don't know if OTL is the way to go. Are they suitable for all types of music? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
dfrigovt

Showing 1 response by gregm

Detlof, I'm going all nostalgic! I still have a pair of Mark Lev IC's.

Great stuff...
Futtermans driving Quad 63's (no protection circuit, of course), blowing up on me on a Saturday AFTERNOON...
There was lots of suspense then with the F's: are they biased? (never), will they play? (that's the exciting part).

Back to the question. Can't give tech & other details well covered above.
So, subjectively, OTL's offer an immediacy in the sound and, often, musicality -- I don't mean "tube warmth" (even order, benign distortion). Good microdynamics, giving these amps the "fast" label.

On the other hand, they're picky about the load they can drive, they're expensive and, until recently, not very reliable.