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Watt/Puppies with SET or push-pull???

I've heard rumors that WPs are a bad match for SETs due to their impedence curves. Anyone tried this with good results, or bad results? Push-pull any better?

I'm moving from SS to tubes, and eventually new speakers (maybe Silverbacks). In the meantime, I have WPs (93dB sensitivity seems ok). Wondering what I'm up against with the WPs and tubes.

Probably Shindo SET (8 or 10W), but may do Shindo PP (25 or 40W). Thanks!
bigamp

Showing 2 responses by dgarretson

dgarretson
2,622 posts
 
Just for fun in my "B" system I've been using W3P2 with 3W 2A3 SETs & Speltz Autoformers. It works remarkably well. However without a 4x impedance multiplier the dip below 2 ohms with WP presents a difficult load to any SET.
dgarretson
2,622 posts
 
I have Zeroimpedance.com naked Autoformers with 8' of crimped-on Anticables-- both manufactured by Paul Speltz and available on 60-day trial. This Autoformer has 2x, 3x, and 4x taps.

I had best results with WPs & Autoformers & mid-powered tube amps like BAT VK75SE and ARC VT130. With these amps there is a big improvement in dynamics & bass control with very little affect in the mid & treble regions. Even 120wpc is really not enough power for WPs without Autoformers. With Autoformers, amps in this range sound like big monoblocks.

With Autoformers & low-powered SETs, the improvements come with the cost of a slight loss of SET "magic" that may or may not be acceptable to you. Still, Autoformers are nice tools to have around when testing & matching amps to difficult loads.
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