2. amps-preamps
  3. 151214-2744

Tube amp forethought

Hello, im researching my retirement two ch audio system and tube amps are in the forefront of my “wants” my plan will be a pair of QUAD ESL’s not sure which just yet

What do i need to know about maintaining a tube amp, like a AudioResearch 120 for starters or other tube amps. Biasing is totally new to me. Tube life and modes (triode, Pentode, UltraLinear) all foreign to me.

im a 40 year hobbiest so im pretty versed, this is just an unknown territory for me, thanx guys !

kgveteran

Showing 5 responses by bdp24

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bdp24
10,096 posts
 
Thanks @clio09, I'll do that.
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bdp24
10,096 posts
 
@clio09, though I have yet to bring my old Quads up here from SoCal, I couldn't resist the near mint RM-10 Mk.2 that has been listed here on Audiogon for a coupla weeks. As the Quads don't need (and in fact can't withstand) more than what the amp produces from it's 4 ohm taps, I'll be hooking them up that way for lower distortion and longer tube life. I'm stoked!
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,096 posts
 
I have long assumed that when anyone used the term the QUAD ESL they were of course referring to the original electrostatic model Peter Walker introduced in 1957. All other QUAD modes are referred to by their model designation---63, 989, etc., even the reissue of the original (a while after that model had been discontinued), named the QUAD 57.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
10,096 posts
 
If you don't mind the lack of a mono amp behind each speaker (thereby requiring only very short speaker cables---I used one-footers---though long inter-connects, one reason why it's great the M-60 is balanced, as long as your pre is as well), an S-30 (a stereo amp) is sufficient for a single pair of 57's. The speaker was made to be powered by the original QUAD tube amplifier, a 15w/ch design.
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bdp24
10,096 posts
 
I was yet another QUAD ESL/Bedini 25/25 user for years, but if and when I put my QUADS back into service it will be with a Music Reference RM-10. Roger Modjeski used the QUAD as his load when designing that amp. He has offered in in two versions: as a 35/35w Class-A/B, and as a 25/25w Class-A.
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