Opinions please: seeking a first class DIY SET amp design

Posted by banpuku (A) on March 22, 2014 at 13:27:40

I recently ran a test using my Lafayette KT-550 pentode push-pull amp driving my Quad ESL-63 loudspeakers. In pentode mode, the KT-550 is putting out about 25 watts / channel using 7027 tubes. In the test, the KT-550 was run in triode mode putting out about 17-18 watts/ channel. There were certainly pros/cons for both pentode vs. triode modes. Given that I listen to classical chamber music about 90% of the time, I felt as thought the 17-18 watts were sufficient to drive my Quad ESL-63 speakers during normal listening in my 14x17x9' room.

I have put the KT-550 back into pentode mode and will keep it as such. However, the thought of having a second amp in triode mode has a great allure, thus the reason for this post. In particular, I am thinking of a DIY SET DHT amp. I would like opinions on DIY schematics for a SET (DHT preferably, but not absolute) that puts out about 15-18 watts / channel. Of note, the Quads require big iron, so the amp design should not skimp on the output transformer.

I am seeking an amp that has 3-dimensional midrange magic along with dynamics and tonal shading to properly portray classical chamber music and piano.

I am not wed to any tube in particular (input, driver or output), so anything is fair game. I am wed to a simple design (I am a minimalist who believes in using very good parts in a simple, good design). I also want a first class solution, thus avoiding any interim solutions.

So, please submit your thoughtful opinions. I appreciate any help on this subject.

Thanks in advance. Pat

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Topic - Opinions please: seeking a first class DIY SET amp design - banpuku 13:27:40 03/22/14 (1)

RE: Opinions please: seeking a first class DIY SET amp design - danlaudionut 17:10:37 03/22/14 (0)

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