Given how dynamic and lively a good OTL can sound, the world would be full of models being offered, if they didn't have their problems. Most of the ones I've encountered were not fully reliable. The notable exception are the Atmasphere models which don't seem to die or destroy speakers. But, I have also heard a number of setups with Atmasphere OTLs and high efficiency speakers where a hum or buzz could not be ameliorated.
My personal preference in OTL sound, from commercially available amps, was the big Joule OTL (warmer sound than the Atmasphere or Berning), but, the model I heard had problems with tube sockets going bad which caused it to intermittently put out a HUGE pop; a friend with 105 db/w speakers said the pop was as loud as discharging a shotgun indoors. I heard that pop on far less efficient speakers and almost had a heart attack.
I did not understand the appeal of the Tenor at all. In the systems I heard the Tenor in, it did not deliver the incredible dynamics and liveliness that is the primary reason one goes for OTLs.
I also liked the sound of the SAP OTL, but, that amp too, turned out to be unreliable.
The only practical alternatives out there that I know of are Atmasphere and Berning models. Both are certainly worth an audition. I am a tube fan, but, I don't like most high powered tube amps. If I had speakers that demanded more than 40 watts, I would certainly be looking into OTL amps.
My personal preference in OTL sound, from commercially available amps, was the big Joule OTL (warmer sound than the Atmasphere or Berning), but, the model I heard had problems with tube sockets going bad which caused it to intermittently put out a HUGE pop; a friend with 105 db/w speakers said the pop was as loud as discharging a shotgun indoors. I heard that pop on far less efficient speakers and almost had a heart attack.
I did not understand the appeal of the Tenor at all. In the systems I heard the Tenor in, it did not deliver the incredible dynamics and liveliness that is the primary reason one goes for OTLs.
I also liked the sound of the SAP OTL, but, that amp too, turned out to be unreliable.
The only practical alternatives out there that I know of are Atmasphere and Berning models. Both are certainly worth an audition. I am a tube fan, but, I don't like most high powered tube amps. If I had speakers that demanded more than 40 watts, I would certainly be looking into OTL amps.