The venerable 6L6 (late '30s) is an excellent output tube. Limited to about 20-25 watts for a PP pair. Its sound quality is limited to the make of the output transformer. Cheap ones, like in the Mesa Boogie, have problems with bass and high frequencies (hysterisis distortion caused by core saturion at low frequencies and capacitance/phase shift affecting highs). Excellent output transformers can cost a lot (hard to build). Tango (Japan) may be the best! I have seen the Mercury (US) transformers advertised. You might consider buying a pair and using them in your Mesa Boogie as an upgrade!
My first Tube Amplifier
I have a 40 years of audio history starting with Garrard Turntable, Fisher Intergrated(SS), ADS bookself speaker on 1978.
But I started using tube amplifier on 1999.
Since then I had been using only tube amplifier in my main system.
My last SS main amplifier was Krell KSA 150 to drive Apogee Duetta Signature speakers.
http://www.jadis-electronics.com/photos/ja500/45/3/ja500.jpg
My first tube amplifier was Jadis 500 which comprised of 4 pieces weighing 120 lb each.
B&W 801 driven by Jadis 500 gave most deep and powerful bass at my home.
But it generated too much heat so it was hard to use during summer.
It was memorable experience to use it for 4 years.
I may not go back to such monster tube amplifier again.
How about you?
What is your first tube amplifier?
I bet two cents on no one had used larger one as the first tube amplifier than mine.
But I started using tube amplifier on 1999.
Since then I had been using only tube amplifier in my main system.
My last SS main amplifier was Krell KSA 150 to drive Apogee Duetta Signature speakers.
http://www.jadis-electronics.com/photos/ja500/45/3/ja500.jpg
My first tube amplifier was Jadis 500 which comprised of 4 pieces weighing 120 lb each.
B&W 801 driven by Jadis 500 gave most deep and powerful bass at my home.
But it generated too much heat so it was hard to use during summer.
It was memorable experience to use it for 4 years.
I may not go back to such monster tube amplifier again.
How about you?
What is your first tube amplifier?
I bet two cents on no one had used larger one as the first tube amplifier than mine.
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- 117 posts total
- 117 posts total