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OTL Asylum OTL, Output Transformerless Amplifier User Group. |
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In Reply to: New buyer- Soliloquy's/Nohr 9.0's with M-60's ? posted by Greg Martin on September 22, 2002 at 08:58:41:
Greg,I can't comment on Soliloquy or Nohr speakers, but on the generic difference between transformer-coupled and OTL amps. Output transformers, and not the tubes, are the limiting factors in transformer-coupled amps.
Of course, each tube type has different requirements for optimum loading, so there will be slight differences in sound across different versions (source manufacturers) of a given tube type with a specific transformer and speaker combination. However, each transformer design represents a compromise between bandwidth and distortion, so the choice of a transformer-coupled amp implies choice of the output transformer manufacturer's sonic preferences as well as the amp circuit designer's ability to match his or her favorite tube version and type to that transformer. The chances of getting a satisfactory combination of tube + circuit + transformer + speaker, when you don't have much control over the second pairing, are much reduced compared to the flexibility of an OTL amp.
This statement seems contradictory to the well-known preference for high-impedance and high-efficiency speakers with OTL amps, but reflects the reality that transformers with even slightly too much grain from the core material, or too much intra-winding capacitance, or too much or too little leakage inductance, make themselves obvious in the sound. This is especially true at lower listening levels, where the grainy background (treble distortion that rises in level with the frequency) sets the floor for distinguishable details in a good recording. If you like Reference Recordings' orchestral offerings, you will appreciate Atma-Sphere amps' ability to render the details, and then search for a speaker that renders that detail over the widest spectrum possible with the Atma-Sphere amp's output impedance.
I've tried to condense a lot of engineering knowledge into two paragraphs, so please forgive me if this is too dense. Your dealer is serving you well by suggesting Atma-Sphere. It is easier to find a speaker that will give you satisfactory bass with Atma-Sphere than to find a transformer-coupled tube amp that will give satisfactory treble and detail with any speaker.
Please e-mail me direct if you want further explanation.
-Al
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- Re: New buyer- Soliloquy's/Nohr 9.0's with M-60's ? - Al Sekela 16:51:54 09/22/02 (0)
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