2. amps-preamps
  3. 1017636591

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 ultrakaz

ultrakaz
187 posts
 

I think the above posts tell all; it depends on your speakers sensitivity and impedence.

Since running the amp in triode reduces the wattage by 50%, most of what you are hearing is a result of decreased power. And since we're talking about sound quality and not watts per dollar, a much more fair comparison would be to compare triode mode that has the same wattage as the ultralinear mode.

I tried a Rogue 88 in both triode and ultralinear on some very efficient and high impedence speakers (97db, 14ohm- 30 or 60 watts do not make a difference) and it was no contest as the triode mode beat up the ultralinear mode in all areas. To be sure, if I were using "normal" speakers with 8 ohms and 88db sensitivity my findings would be completely different.
More to discover