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 2 responses by clio09

Roger Modjeski used the QUAD as his load when designing that amp.

We still use a Quad 57 in the shop today when we test amps we build or repair. If the 57s in question have the Zener clamp boards (an upgrade as they were not supplied at the factory with them) this prevents any over voltage condition within the panels and stops stator-to-stator arcing. So you will have more amplifier options at your disposal.

He has offered in in two versions: as a 35/35w Class-A/B, and as a 25/25w Class-A.
What might be one of the best kept secrets is the original RM-10s ran up to 15 watts in Class A and if you light load them you pretty nearly had a Class A amplifier.

I run my 57s with either the RM-10 or Atma-Sphere M-60s, but just picked up a Harvard H3 (Futterman) that Roger Modjeski and I will restore so it will be interesting to here this amp on the 57s when we are done.
@bdp24 that was a good score on the amp. It looked really clean. FWIW Roger uses the 8 ohm taps with his RM-10 but as he would tell you, try it both ways and use the tap you like best.
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