Tube amplifiers and interstage transformers

Have to agree with Larryi, definitely two opposing camps.In theory the
limited bandwidth argument against transformer use makes some sense,
until you put theory aside and actually listen.In my experience the best
sounding amps and preamps more often than not take the high quality iron
route. Tube amps with interstage transformers sould exceedingly natural
and realistic compared to other topologies.They are utterly transparent and
have superb tone and body. My 2 cents worth.One of the
very best power amps I've ever heard, the Absolare Passion PSET 845
tube has the IT and is stunning! Both my amp and preamp use them and
sound
wonderful to me.
Regards,

Mechans,
In reality you do get the advantages you describe despite what opponents
of the IT may claim.As alan pointed out, Many of the very custom and cost
no object designs use them .For good reason, when implemented
appropriately they produce excellent sound. I do recognize that other
designs can provide excellent sound also.Interstage transformers are a
time tested and proven pathway for superb sonic results.
Regards,

Alan,
As is usually the case the key is execution. A top quality IT used by a talented builder and placed in a good circuit will turn out fine.I certainly can't offer an explanation but this proper use of IT yields such naturalness and striking realism.My amp's builder Israel Blume much prefers the IT rather than a capacitor in the signal path. Of course other builder/designers will feel the opposite and have their own approach.I heard my amp paired with the Atma-Sphere MP-1 and the sound was also fabulous. My line stage has an IT and is sublime with this amplifier.There's always different paths to great results.
Regards,

Onemug,
I've had the same hypothetical thoughts.I believe either one can be done with a fine result.Given my deep satisfaction with the use of IT in my Coincident components, I'd probably favor the transformer approach.It's so wonderfully natural .For all I know it could be as good with CAST caps in their place.It would be fun to build both examples and listen.It's interesting to note that many cost no object designs choose the IT when they could use the best capacitors money can buy.
Regards,

Alan,
This is why I hope you`re able to hear the components that use an IT and listen for yourself.I appreciate explanations from the design/engineering perspective but nothing beats actually hearing the end result.Andy Grove an Audio Note engineer has written very compelling arguements for the advantages of interstage transformers. Both sides make good cases. Listening is the best solution.
Regards,

Alan,
That`s good to know and the right direction to take.Based on theory,measurements and the viewpoint of designers of solid state components,tubes should`nt even be a consideration for best sound aspirations.They`re too colored,too much distortion,outdated and measure poorly. Heaven forbid those comptemplating the SET amplifiers(worse of the tube lot).Funny thing is with all this logic, SET are to people like me the most realistic and natural of any type of topology I`ve heard.The very best sounding system I heard in Las Vegas a few weeks ago(CES and T.H.E. SHOW) was the Absolare-Rockport at the Flamingo Hotel.

The Absolare Passion was a PSET with 845 tubes(and an interstage transformer!), it was just stunning good and utterly realistic and sublime. Other 'exceptional' systems in comparison came off as only very good "Hifi". You just have to listen and trust your ears and spontaneous reactions.I`m sure no way, no how this amplifier has bandwidth or measurements that would compete with many other amps I heard(it`s SET, how could it?). I believe what matters most for excellent sound are qualities we don`t/can`t measure.Alan, you say your SET sounds amazing, I believe you.

Regards,

Atmasphere,
I understand and agree with your post.My point is the common argument against tubes is their generally higher distortion and less than impressive measurements. It was my way to encourage alan to rely on his own hearing rather than what some pre conceived prediction or claim what the result will be.Alan says his SET amp is amazing and he reached that conclusion based on his ears.He did it the right way.
Regards,

Wavelength offers(I think,could be wrong) both IT and non IT versions of their excellent SET
amplifiers.I'd love to hear Gordon Rankin's opinion on how the two options
vary and why.
Regards,

Thanks Atmasphere, I realized some time ago that the present measurement standards and the sound quality have hardly any correlation. In some ways to a degree it's almost an inverse relationship. Stereophile's JA measurements compare to Art Dudley's listening impressions is an example.Measurements do have a relevant use, they just aren't useful as a predictor of sound quality. I don't know why the laws of human hearing are'nt appreciated more and respected.
Regards,