Tubes/SS Power Amps?

Phaelon,

Great idea, I think you're definitely on to something.

I can't think of a better company to expand/perfect your concept and make it a reality than Atmasphere. I bet they could start brainstorming design possibilities Monday morning. It'll probably take until the end of the year to build, test and evaluate a few different design prototypes, however.

Once the best prototype is determined, it'll probably take approx. 6 months to work out parts' sourcing, costs, pricing and marketing strategy.

Then another few months to determine and document a Bill of Materials, manufacturing instructions and QA procedures.

So, all told and if there are no stumbling blocks, it may be possible for the first lot of Atmasphere's game changing Hybrid Tube-Class D amps to roll off the production line sometime by the end of 2014 or beginning of 2015.

Ralph,

As I'm sure you know,I'm just having a little fun. I'm watching the final rounds of the NFL draft and there's a lot of time between picks. However and FWIW, I think lot of people would love this to become be a reality.

I even have a marketing slogan idea:

"Same great quality and performance of Atmasphere,
Just with a less heated atmosphere."

If you ever do decide to build this world-beater amp, please pm me when you're ready to send me the production prototype for in-home testing.

I won't charge you for the testing but I won't pull any punches when I post my review here on Audiogon, either.

Thank you

Tim

Tim, what can I say... you’re a visionary!

Phaelon,

You had the vision and concept. I just took your idea and ran with it, more of an embellisher.

Thanks,
Tim

Tim, maybe Ralph will give us a black light bulbs option... for when we’re feeling a little Iron Butterfly.

Hell! How about mini lava lamps? I’m getting pumped!

Generally speaking class D amplifier modules are less expensive. I have a 100 watt/channel module that cost $25 each in low quantities. It is the size of a pack of cigarettes, including heatsink, input/output connections and power supply connections. All you add is the power supply and the box.

Yet what I see in the marketplace are amps that cost nearly as much as their traditional SS brethren. Its pretty apparent to me that the main push for class D is that you can make a lot more money selling them.

I've been looking at methods of incorporating more tubes into the process. There is even a method of using a power tube for output switching.... the problem with using them though is you can see through your hands when the amp is on.

"I've been looking at methods of incorporating more tubes into the process. There is even a method of using a power tube for output switching.... the problem with using them though is you can see through your hands when the amp is on."
Atmasphere (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

Atmasphere,
Can you elaborate on your comment of "the problem with using them though is you can see through yourhands when the amp is on"? I'm not quite grasping the meaning, sounds like engineer slang for transparent but I'm not sure.

Thanks,
Tim

It was a joke. If you run a real high voltage on tubes they can emit X-rays.

Atmasphere,

Ah, very good and funny, too.

Thanks,
Tim

Prop I would have tended to agree with tubes for the Pre until the unveiling of Coda's new 7X. Its use of very high end double gated FETs with high impedance are very tube like.
Then add their new 7E virtual battery power supply do at the end of 2013.
I have ran a 15.0 for ten months and it barely gets warm even after twelve hours of use.
Codas are like Maytags! lol