High Efficiency Speaker Asylum

Posted by robert (i) on May 23, 2001 at 13:55:35

In Reply to: why so much emphasis on SE triode? - push-pull wo nfb can be excellent posted by freddyi on May 23, 2001 at 01:38:37:

Freddy,

I use a 6L6 monoblock pair in triode mode, push-pull with no feedback, interstage transformer coupling.

I like it much better than SET because:

- I get way better bass
- I get terrific clear detail
- I get a lovely midrange
- more dynamic and punchy

There is absolutely nothing wrong with PP no-NFB amps that are designed well - but I believe that with this topology, choke power supply and the use of interstage transformers is mandatory to get really great sound - and the quality of the transformers is critical.

The cost of that, however, makes a good PP amp not a great commercial proposition. SET is more popular among the US makers because (and here come the flames) is is cheaper to get good sound from in a production piece.

Also, SET is for some reason, probably marketing, more fashionable.

Very often the differences come down to perception, if buyers think it's cooler, more underground or exclusive, the claims of better sound follow. NOT to say SET is bad, far from it - nor is PP superior - but both are very valid and I believe it would be very wrong to say one is universally better than the other.