What's your OTL tube amp experience and suggestion?


Are OTL amps in general much less reliable due to their nature, or due to the implementation quality, or both?

Perhaps this has been discussed a zillion times in the past.   Perhaps, however, makers have now improve on past experience?  So it could be worth re-visiting.

My past encounters with OTL tube amps are among the most negative: Wonderful (but never great) sound during the brief period that they work.  Otherwise, major fire hazard.  Overheating, red hot plates, sparks, consistently toasted fuses, burning smell, you name it.  My past OTL amps are like crying babies on an changing table - don't you ever walk away from an arm's distance.   The used market seem to reflect such as well --- way more 'as-is for parts' or 'totally refurbished' units than reliable 'used' units that rarely need service.

Beg your pardon if it's just my poor judgement that keep getting the lemons.   What's your experience, and tips to keep OTL amps up and running happily?


bsimpson

Showing 2 responses by ozzy

Atma-Sphere M-60 3.3 with the upgrades Ralph offers.
Plus I use dual Zero’s with my 8 ohm 90+db Hi-Eff speakers. I can play the music as loud as I once did with my Pass Labs X350-5.
And... the music is so smooth and perfect... No turning back
I am also using Russian output tubes and Sophia input tubes.
ozzy


I have removed the Zero's from the equation using the MA-60's. 
It just wasn't needed. 
The Atma-Sphere M-60's are the finest amp(s) I have ever owned. The tube heat is not a problem, and the power output matched with easy to drive speakers (my DIY) is awesome. 
In fact, the M-60's play as loud as my Pass Labs X350.8 amps but with better sound quality.
Highest recommendation IMHO.

ozzy