Tube Amp for Devore O/96

@fsonicsmith

I do believe that DHT (Directly heated triode) is technically speaking a more “linear” tube than the pentode tube. However I do agree that the Orangutan-96 can sound fantastic with a good pentode tube amplifier. Thus my strong endorsement of the Jadis KT 120 integrated amplifier as an alternative to the NAF DHT models.

No question in my mind that the CJ,VTL or ARC etc pentode amplifiers are terrific options as well. Obviously I believe that we all appreciate it hinges on the implementation.
 

Beyond that, it depends on what one is seeking sonically. I have an attraction to good DHT amplifiers. However, no doubt much musical success is obtainable with indirectly heated pentode/tetrodes tubes driving the Devore O-96. As I said earlier, the OP has numerous really good choices available.

Charles

@bonzo75 

Mr. Dudley owned O93’s

Thanks so much! This is all very helpful information. I feel like I'm getting a crash course in tube amps although some material remains well beyond my purview at this point. I have some research to do I suppose as I don't know Class A from Class AB or what a pentode is. I feel like I'm slightly confused in the back of my Physics class again but I'll figure it out.

One question I have is, I've seen the term "linear" used in this thread and on various stereo review websites, but I'm not sure I know what it means exactly. Does that mean that the sound is more focused and direct and not as wide and broad? That's what I think I can gather from context but could be way off. 

@charles1dad 

Thank you for the very thorough response! I'm really drawn to your Jadis description of "consistently beautiful musical production." I've read that elsewhere about their amps, too, and ultimately that is my end goal above all else - to simply enjoy beautiful music. 

I’ve had two friends achieve great results with their O/96 using Jadis JA30MKII. I’m fairly certain optimal results were achieved with the internal straps set for high impedance delivery. 

@flipturn

You are welcome. Don’t worry, as you continue to read and explore your knowledge base will steadily expand and deepen. Curiosity and motivation will take you far. Vacuum tubes are actually pretty basic devices but there are so many variations and applications with regard to function and utilization.

They have stood the test of time for very good reasons. When used properly in audio components they’re capable of exquisite and authentic music reproduction.

I am not an electrical engineer and @atmasphere (Ralph) can provide a much better explanation. Essentially linearity refers to the degree of disruption/deviation/distortion of an applied audio or electrical signal. The closer the output signal resembles the input signal (Less deviation) the more linear or pure a device is said to be.

This in part explains why DHT type tubes can be used without the need for applied negative feedback (NFB) compared to indirectly heated tetrode/pentodes generally speaking. No doubt other factors are in play.
 

You will often see DHT SET amplifiers with zero NFB. There are pros and cons to everything. It all depends on what is sonically being sought.

Charles