2. amps-preamps
  3. 137416-116545

What is needed to build a tube amp and what non?

What it should it not contain the tube amp? IMO, NFB that press the scene of the sound sending the part of signal back into the previouse stage. Unique amp must be built lineary without NFB, /in some causes linearity doesnt mean best sound/. IMO, never use tone control that change the sound. If You need more bass, use big bass speaker, if You need more high freeq. - use sensitivity tweeters, if You need meedle fr. - use sensitivity fullrange not less 8 inch. IMO, Hi End is back proportional to the number of composite parts - use simple decisions with not cheep parts- cheep parts - cheep sound!. Every passive part change the sound. IMO, in SE iron for OT must be 10-20 time more than output power, /for 5 W never use 5 W OT, but 50-100W/. IMO, in power supply use kenotrones, that provide soft start and soft amazing sound. Every time use iron chock and hmmm will be far from Your ears. IMO, do not use iron enclosure that collect noises....But your opinions?
azazello

Showing 2 responses by charles1dad

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Azazello,
It was not made clear in my post but I have been a SET  owner for 9 years.  You state that you're more "extreme" than I am. I suppose you have a point given that I just believe every topology has strengths and weaknesses. There are compromises if one chooses SET and I accept this reality. The positive attributes far outweigh these compromises in the overall scheme of things.  The dominant attraction for me is the purity of tone and virtual absence of the pervasive electronic or Hifi sonic characteristic I hear with other alternatives. This sheer naturalness is a necessity for me now that I've been exposed to it. This elevates the level of realism significantly. 
Charles 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hello azazello,
I agree with Peter (PBN Audio) that is quite an impressive collection of amplifiers you have built. You’ve certainly been busy the last 20 years 😊.
I am an aficionado of SET amplifiers than eschew NFB and utilize very good quality output transformers and stout power supplies. I own 1 SET and 2 push pull tube amplifiers and all 3 are enjoyable but the SET stands out as the better sounding of this group. It is more pure and natural in presentation as well as more open, nuanced and engaging.

However there are push pull amplifiers that undeniably produce excellent sound quality. I can understand their appeal of increased power and definitely more speaker choice flexibility. I don’t find it possible to proclaim a specific topology the best. Even though SET personally is the most satisfying in my listening experience I can’t declare it’s the best option for everyone.

There are many listeners as happy with all manner of amplifier types as I happen to be with SET. This wide selection of choice is the beauty of High End Audio.
Charles
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