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Ultralinear vs. Triode

I posted this on AA, but since I find both that site and this to be such a great complemtn to each other, I'm posting this here:

From what I read most people seem to prefer triode, however, my experience with Rogue Magnum M120's (Teslovak controllers, EH6550 power, decicated power lines, look in Inmate System for rest) was different.
In triode, the intruments and voices did have a fuller, more 'there' sense, but the actual sound was seriously lacking in punch.
In ultralinear, drums and 'claves' hit right in the chest.
The sound seemed _much_ slower in triode mode, giving the sound a fuzzy sense.

I've listened to the amps, one weekend in each mode and this weekend switched modes on Sat. from ultra to triode. What we thought we heard the first time around was clearly there.This is particularly noticeable in rock tunes (I am the walrus, barracuda, zeppelin).

Now, these tubes are fairly new, less than 200 hours on them, same as the amps.

Any comments? Would different tubes help? I need to get an extra set anyway...

KP
killerpiglet

Showing 1 response by philjolet

philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
I have Magnum 120's and went for months listening in ultralinear mode but did not like the thin mids/highs, even though it had a nice airy quality and the bass was good as well. I recently put them in triode mode and prefer it. The sound is a little closed down but seems to have more weight and punch. In general it seems more robust and piano has more of the vibrant quality I associate with live music.

my system is:
99 Magnum
Rega 2000 CD
Nordost Blue Heaven (IC and wire)
Magnepan 1.6QR

I agree ultralinear mode sounds very nice in general and with the right system could be the preferred mode, maybe my Maggies are just too bright. I have also recently put Mullard cv4004 tubes in my power amps and tried it both modes, they are richer but seemed to blur the sound a little. I arrive at the same conclusions with these tubes as well.
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