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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
newbee
4,751 posts
 
What does Roger Majeski say about the potential result of the conversion? Benefits v liabilities? There is always some trade off - what does he think they are with his amp?
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I asked that question on AudioCircle in the Manufacturer's forum and still have not gotten an answer. To some exent I hesitate with the idea of the mod (he did not object to the idea), thinking if it was such a good idea, why didn't he do so from the begining - could be the amp has more universal application run in AB2 Ultralinear. I know by going to triode, he pull back on the NFB which appears to always be a good thing with my Merlins. I agree in principle (with no engineeering knowledge whatsoever) that it is best to have a unit optimized for one type of operation or the other - the logic of that makes sense to me.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,575 posts
 
Pubul57, Merlins don't need a lot of power. We have had many Merlin customers over the years using our M-60 and I never hear about power issues. If you can get a triode amp that makes at least that much, unless you are in a very big room you should be fine!

With Merlins it all about finesse rather than power- they are plenty revealing- going triode with them will definitely pay off.
rodman99999
5,983 posts
 
See if you can find one of these for sale: (http://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/1200cary/) You won't do much tube tasting as far as the output tube(T-1610) 'cause there's only one company that makes them(KR). Then again there's the price of a pair of those glorious triodes. At least they'll give you 100 watts on peaks. BTW: If you can afford those- Are you interested in adopting a son?
pubul57 OP
3,712 posts
 
I'm not so much worried about power, as the Music Reference RM9 SE would be 70 watts in triode - way more than enough for my Merlins, I'm thinking about whether converting an amplifier from ultralinear to triode makes much sense if the amp was not desinged for triode operation from the ground up; I just fell there must be some compromise in this apporach rather than being built and spece'd specifically for triode appplication, like my CAT JL2.
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