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In the Forum: Audio Discussions
In the Thread: Passive transformer based preamp
Post Subject: Re: Better among worst?Posted by morricab on: 11/7/2005

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As to the best transformers souding more transparent than the best resistors, I'll believe it when I (don't?) hear it.  You claim to have heard this but I most certainly haven't.  Based on theoretical arguments the noninductive metal film resistor is certainly more linear and less frequency dependent of the two devices.  That being said, I AM open to hearing a better transformer based passive using the S&B transformers.  If they best my active then so be it, I get a passive and save money Smile.

I am not so sure the NAF amp has a typical 845 sound (I have heard only a couple of others that were handily outperformed by the NAF with not nearly its openness and speed) but perhaps it has a sound that is a function of the type and size transformers that are required for such an output tube?? Perhaps the "family" sound that one hears from the Audio Note amps is due to the use of their proprietary silver transformers?  Again then we would be back to the sound of the transformer affecting the overall "character" of the amp.  Another possible reason you don't like parallel SET amps is because the demands on the output transformer are much greater and saturation a more likely problem.  Bigger iron= bigger problems, no? Again if this is part of the problem we are back to the output transformer again. 

Personally, I like what Wyetech labs does for their big Topaz when used as a monoblock.  Each tube gets its own output transformer (same as the SET stereo version) instead of using one larger transformer for both paralleled tubes.  Another really good one I heard that was paralleled was the Ayon (formerly Vaic) 52b reference monos.  I think they also use a separate output transformer for each paralleled tube. 

As to the Silvaweld input and output transformers:  You may be right but their literature says they are using high quality nickel alloy transformers.  It is not more specific but clearly they are not using all steel cored transformers.  If I replaced them with S&B line input and output transformers maybe it would be better.  I still doubt it would be better than no transformers.  If you look at the design and parts used they did not cut corners on this design so I find it hard to believe they stuck just any old transformer in there.  However, I am sure there are better ones available.

Interesting that you are so enamoured with a moded EL34 based amp.  I imagine it is possible, with proper attention to make a spectacular sounding amp with these tubes and the push-pull concept.  Tell me are you using it as a triode or are you still going "ultralinear"?

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