35 watts in Ultralinear vs 50 watts in Triode


I have read that Ultralinear mode in tube amplification provides more slam and punchier sound in comparison to Triode mode. Is this always true? for example, what about a Prima Luna Prologue 5 (35 wpc UL) against the AES Sixpacs monoblocks (50 wpc in Triodo) in terms of bass slam and macrodynamics? is the less powered amp gutsier and punchier than the higher powered amps just for being UL? Is Triode mode always kind of soft compared to UL regardless of power?

Thanks,
Jov
jdec

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

When you have an amp that can switch between modes, one thing is for sure: the triode mode will not actually reflect the sound and performance of real triodes. For that you will have to use an amp that is actually built with triodes which will demonstrate the linearity of the devices.

I should point out that due to the reduced distortion of triodes, they will also have a smoother sound in the mids and highs that some will mistake for 'softness', although if properly designed there will be no quarter given in the area of 'slam'. The simple fact is that triodes are the most linear form of amplification known to man, and thus it is possible to build the best sounding amps from them.

And given my perspective, I think that has been going on for a long time :)