Ultralinear vs. Triode vs. SET

" From both a technical and sonic perspective, what are the differences between a tube amp with switchable ultralinear and triode mode vs. a true SET amplifier?"

A tube amp with a UL/Triode switch will most likely be using a pentode. The switch makes it operate "like" a triode but it is what it is and some may like the sound of a KT88 or EL34 wired that way but it's not a true triode. A true "SET" amp will probably be using a 45,2a3 or 300b tube each having their own flavor/character and power output.

That's kinda general but the best I could do per your question and keep it simple.

I do think anyone who loves music should at least give a listen to a "true" SET mated once in their life. Hopefully it will be mated to a speaker it likes.

Ooops, was rushing at the end of my post. Last paragraph, delete "mated" after SET.

Droz,

1. Pretty much. It's single ended. It will have it's own flavor depending on the tube used. One of my amps is the little Glow Amp that uses 1 EL84 per channel. Nice sweet sound.

2. It would be close. A push pull 300b amp would have a similar flavor to a single ended 300b. I hear a purer tone and better decay with SE.

What do you value more, loud cresendos or smooth decay?