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RE: Bogen DB20s

Posted by Triode_Kingdom (A) on April 13, 2022 at 10:45:26

In Reply to: Bogen DB20s posted by Kindablue on April 13, 2022 at 07:15:03:

I haven't heard or tested either of those amplifiers. However, a quick look at the schematics indicates three fundamental differences. The first has to do with tube types. Whereas the DB 110 is a 12AX7 - 6V6 amplifier, the DB 20 uses 12AT7 - 12AU7 - 6L6. I would never expect the latter to exhibit comparable sound quality. In addition, the DB 20 employs a rather unconventional feedback topology with a separate winding on the output transformer back to the 12AU7 drivers. I can't say this is detrimental, but it does represent a significant difference. The last thing I notice in a quick comparison is that the tone control section of the DB 20 is more complex. This might also be contributing to a lack of clarity or response.

I really like the 6V6 in general, but the 6L6 is no slouch either. If I had both amplifier types, I would start by measuring frequency response and distortion. This is likely to reveal performance differences that can't be determined from the schematics alone.

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