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OTL Tube Amp for Maggie 3.6?


I've heard OTL needs an impedance curve that never drops below 4, and flat is better. I think Magnepan 3.6s drop here and there below 4, and certainly aren't flat.

So, would OTL not work?

I think from what I've read it wouldn't matter, but would getting one with lots of power make a difference (i.e., Transcendent The Beast) or is that irrelevant?
lightminer

Showing 2 responses by almarg

almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
03-25-11: Ahendler
I know that the Zeros are an autotransformer but isn't the big reason of the sound of otl's is because they do not have an output transformer. Now we stick one back into the equation. Seems counter intuitive.
Yes, it does seem counter-intuitive, but the FAQ on the Zero's has what seems to be good rationale:
What is the difference between the ZEROs autoformer and a typical tube amplifier's transformer?

The ZEROs have a few advantages over "typical" tube amp transformers:

A) The music comes out on the same winding wire that it goes in on so the music does not have to pass from a primary winding to a secondary winding.

B) There is no DC current to contend with. When a transformer is made to accommodate a DC field, its audio transparence is compromised.

C) The impedance ratio is very small (16 ohms to 4 ohms, compared to a few thousand ohms to 4 ohms). This simply means that it is much easier to achieve things like, frequency response extremes, than with a "typical" tube amp transformer. The ZEROs sport a frequence response of 2 Hz to 2 MHz.
Regards,
-- Al
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Realdeal, that's a logical question, but it has a logical answer. See the quote in my post above dated 3-25-11.

Also, of course, the low impedance and low efficiency of a Maggie would seem likely to be problematical, to say the least, for the typical low powered SET.

Regards,
-- Al
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