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RE: Jeff, Thanks

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In Reply to: RE: Jeff, Thanks posted by Yada on April 12, 2010 at 21:48:46

Yada,
Well, more good questions.
If an amp sounds better when the tube is run hotter, at or above the Manufacturer's spec, it is usually because that amp is poorly executed internally, as far as transfer function, and design of its power supply.
I find best results are obtained with over-designed power supplies, that have a natural stability, under all types of music playback. In addition to the supply's design being as near perfect as possible, the amplifier's internal transfer function becomes a matter to properly address, proper wiring of components, as to wire types, and lengths, and lay outs, so as to NOT LOSE complex musical information inside the ampfilier!!
Particularly in SE amps, where the power supply is INCLUDED in the audio circuit. !!
Most audio equipment is NOT made this way, it is made to a price point, or by individuals who deem such an approach as unnecessary. So, with poorly conceived and wired amps, the hotter the tube is run, sometimes - the better it may sound, at first. But alas, it is only temporary, as the tube quickly degrades due to the hot rodding.
Consider the "Golden Ratio" in design, things like you car, truck, lawnmower, and your Type 45 tube run BEST and longest when designed at or near that number.
And yes, when thoughtfully designed, the Type 45 at 7 watts dissiaption will sonically outperform the same tube running at its full rated 10 watt dissipation, in a good amp. Its easy to hear.
Your family car runs a lot better at 65 MPH than at 100 MPH, and I say it will probably run a LOT longer at 65 MPH. Others will no doubt disagree with me on this topic, and that is fine.
Jeff Medwin

Edits: 04/12/10

Follow Ups:

RE: Jeff, Thanks - tube wrangler 23:57:00 04/12/10 (0)
Perfect post, Jeff. Thank you.
For those interested in detail/discussion/rants/ravings on this subject: Refer to my old posts on TUBEDIY-- from about 2006 onward. Things got really hot in those days, as usual, I was not always believed, but people who played my amps certainly believed! I laid it all out for you-- to be read years later. Jeff is kind enough to continue mentioning those ideas, and he is also trying to make available power supply parts that will contribute to proper vacuum tube operation in the best ways through better power supply parts. Btavo!
A vacuum tube is nothing special. It's just another piece of Physics. You play with it until it (ITSELF!) is operating happily, comfortably, and really humming along. That automatically guarantees at least 20,000 hours of operation from it, and that insures zero sonic degradation over at least 10,000 hours, something that is TOTALLY NECESSARY in order to fully enjoy music.
After all, once you spend days/weeks/months getting an audio system to really perform, wouldn't you like it to STAY that way? It will, if all of the active and mechanical devices are operated in a non-stressed mode.
Of course, that is just simple Common Sense.
---Dennis---

Edits: 04/12/10
7 watts dissapation - Yada 22:24:43 04/12/10 (1)
Jeff, Thanks again. I noticed in a couple of your posts the reference to 7 watts dissapation; is that something you have found to be an ideal spec? How is that measured? Thx!

PS, what are your favorite 45 and 300B amps? and tubes?

- Ever hear a Jeff Korneff 45 amp?
- RE: 7 watts dissapation - drlowmu 22:45:37 04/12/10 (0)
  Yada,
  
  These are just MY personal opinions:
  
  I was taught to NEVER use a stock 300B by my ultra-smart, superb listening, audio mentor. (B-1925, D-1988). The 2A3 and the Type 45 are generally superior sounding. Stock W.E. 300Bs are for people who don't "get it" with high efficiency speakers.
  
  The EML line, available today, is probably the best sounding audio tubes ever made.
  
  They will outperform all NOS 45s and 2A3s, due to their superior design, linear filament structures, etc.
  
  Actually Yada, in 2010, for some low efficiency bookshelf speakers I own, I am building a DC SE VAIC AV-32B amp. That VAIC tube is the circa 2001 predecessor of EML's very nice 300B-XLS, which is probably the only other non 45 or 2A3 tube I would use. Oh, the NOS 2A3 does well at 10 or 10.5 watts dissipation. Just my tastes and prejudices !! The 2A3 is my favorite all-around tube.
  
  Jeff

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