Triode versus Ultralinear/Pentode


Does triode always sound better than ultralinear/pentode in circuits and parts of similar quality? I'm not really interested in SETs, but triode wiring of EL34/6550 etc. I have a CAT JL2 wired which has 6550s connected in triode and is the best amp I have ever heard in my system. I also have a Music Reference RM9 MKII with EL34s connected in ultralinear and am considering having them rewired for triode operation as I assume that is one of the reasons the CAT sound so good (those transformers may also have something to do with it). Thanks.
pubul57

Showing 1 response by onemug

NO. But that's only because you used the "always" word. :-)

Wiring triode may reduce some distortion, you can probably use less feedback, a good thing IMO. But you end up with a lot less power and that won't set too well with some speakers. At least you could go back if it didn't work.