OTL Tube Amps-- are they superior to everything?

Ok Allan, but it seems we have had this discussion before. But I ask you this, if an inpedance converter is not a transformer of sorts, what exactly is it? Also true that some OTL's have a cap or resistor between plate and terminal but none have an impedance convertor or transformer, agreed? ;)

I personally haven't heard any amp design that offers what OTL's do when matched with an optimal load. The traditional design will however exibit problems if not properly matched to a stable high impedance speaker load. The ideal being 16 ohms. Not too many dynamic speakers exibit such a load therefore the zeroformer is used. This thing DOES affect the sound of the amp. The higher the multiplier, the dryer the sound becomes losing some of the characteristic OTL "sound", in my mind a compromise. The plus side with this device is maintaining the clarity at the frequency extremes.

The Berning zh270 really isn't a true OTL which by definition means nothing but wire between the plate and speaker terminal. The Berning uses a patented high frequency impedace converter which is essentially a transformer without the effects of iron, the signal is unaffected. What you get is a pure signal with the pluses of OTL's PLUS the ability to drive low impedance loads at full power. This design is also high bandwidth and doesn't have the limitations of traditional output transformers. I expect some of the more expensive modern tube designs have limited some of the problems associated in the past with transformers.

Ultrakatz's reservations about owning such a product was also a concern of mine. What happens if the designer isn't around to fix the amp if there is a problem down the road? Berning's track record for reliability of his products is legendary, he personally assembles his own amps. I guess at some point you have to take the leap of faith and not worry too much about it. Listening is believing, this amp is quite special as well as offering flexibility beyond a typical basic amplifier.

I do agree Allan and don't pretend to understand how this high frequency converter "carries" the signal and increases the turns ratio to 64-1 and matches impedance to the speakers, it is indeed mind boggling! My point is that a converter/transformer, regardless of how radical and different the approach, is used to achieve what this amp does. Explaining HOW it works would be informative to those wanting to understand this innovative design although I don't think it would be readily understood.

Saxo, if a man designs, builds and puts his name on a product and those products have stood the test of time and along the way have added really innovative approaches to solving some of the real world problems in getting the signal to is purest form, I would be less concerned about the complexity and maybe investigate further whether it is something that might work for you. Due to its features (auto-biasing, 3 feedback settings, 2 inputs for line source components), light weight (10 lbs), low heat output (100 watts idle, 300 watts full power) and most importantly sound reproduction I feel quite certain that I will keep it forever. It is just too cool in more ways than one!

Yeah Brulee, I also love the passion and feel it very keenly for this product.

The thing that many philes will overlook with the zotl amps is that they are as small and lightweight as they are and will never be in the running in the beauty queen sweepstakes. There really isn't any marketing so they are word of mouth products. The one thing indisputable regardless of who will attempt to dispute it with me is that this is a cutting edge design sonically and technically, a real tour de force product. I would love to do a blind test with this amp and anything within its power range for a head to head and leave the bs at the door and THEN see what the results might be without visual, price, and other prejudicial impressions muddying up the waters.

I have read comments from others that it was a good performer in its price range, I say balderdash, it is a great performer in any price range within the limits of its power and the requirements of the speakers it might be used with. I just want to set the record straight on that and tell all what I REALLY think. This is not to disparage any other amplifier out there including Atmas-phere, Joule, Tenor, Lamms etc. but to say the Berning in the right system is in this league of component if not the best choice in a particular application.

Yes, I have heard all the above products I mention although admittedly not in a familiar system, I can only use my own as a benchmark.

PS and Romy, if there is any thing of importance that you would add you are welcome but if you just want to disparage (Atmas-phere and others) who have only been in business for over 20 years making great products, just check it at the door and tell us what you DO like, no one gives a damn what you don't.

Saxo I am happy for you in this respect, you will get an opportunity to listen to this product on its own terms without being subject to any further influence. Sometimes it does take making strong statements to get across the value of unassuming products that are much more than they appear to be on the surface. I believe you are going to be pleasantly surprised. The best to you, your demeanor reflects the fact you are a real gentleman.