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RE: OTL vs SET

They are generally very different topologies. SET amps tend to be zero feedback designs, with relatively high damping factors. They can produce incredibly low distortion considering no feedback is used, and a very simple circuit will suffice. Getting good sound out of an SET amplifier requires both a good circuit and good iron, however, and a lack of primary inductance in many single ended output transformers can lead to crappy bass.

OTL amps have fewer high dollar parts, but in general the circuit design is considerably more complicated than a SET amplifier. There is also significantly more diversity in OTL amplifier circuits than single ended circuit. Though feedback isn't 100% required for operation, it is often times used to drop the output impedance without having to add an insane amount of extra output devices (so we could say it's 99% required).

How each design sounds to you will depend a lot on the speakers that you have. Critics of OTL amplifiers will call them harsh, brash, and solid state sounding. Critics of SET amplifiers will call them overly warm, colored, and thin in the bass.


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