I have been lucky enough to be listening to a Electrohome Kalmar 120 push/pull slave tube amp connected to a wonderfully clean Phase Linear Model 3300 pre amplifier.
The Electrohome Kalmar 120 is probably rated around 25 watts per channel and does an incredible job at powering any of my speakers to their best.
The sound is deep and powerful in the bass region, coupled with an incredibly open and transparent mid range topped with silky smooth treble that is crisp and clean.
There is a huge difference between the sound of tubes versus the sound of solid state gear that when comparing A/B between the both I find myself returning to the tubes.
So far this amp/pre amp combo sounds best with the Tannoy Oxford Golds, then the NAD Model 30's, it makes my Mission 770 Freedom IV's really come alive and with a bit of equalization, powers the University RRL-12 to new heights. Not saying that this combo does not do any other speakers in my collection justice, I just find myself coming back to the speakers noted above.
How does a Single Ended tube amp compare to a Push/Pull?
To my ears the single ended tube amp is not a clear in the bass region but far more open and forward in the upper mid range/treble region. The push/pull has much more punch and control in the bass along with stronger lower mid range. The upper mid range is a little more laid back and the treble region is not quite as hot/sizzling.
Both are amps are a true window into music with proper and I mean in the room with the musicians sound, the imaging is transparent, clean and true.
Once bitten by the tub amp sound one has a hard time plugging the solid state back into the wall.
The Electrohome Kalmar 120 is probably rated around 25 watts per channel and does an incredible job at powering any of my speakers to their best.
The sound is deep and powerful in the bass region, coupled with an incredibly open and transparent mid range topped with silky smooth treble that is crisp and clean.
There is a huge difference between the sound of tubes versus the sound of solid state gear that when comparing A/B between the both I find myself returning to the tubes.
So far this amp/pre amp combo sounds best with the Tannoy Oxford Golds, then the NAD Model 30's, it makes my Mission 770 Freedom IV's really come alive and with a bit of equalization, powers the University RRL-12 to new heights. Not saying that this combo does not do any other speakers in my collection justice, I just find myself coming back to the speakers noted above.
How does a Single Ended tube amp compare to a Push/Pull?
To my ears the single ended tube amp is not a clear in the bass region but far more open and forward in the upper mid range/treble region. The push/pull has much more punch and control in the bass along with stronger lower mid range. The upper mid range is a little more laid back and the treble region is not quite as hot/sizzling.
Both are amps are a true window into music with proper and I mean in the room with the musicians sound, the imaging is transparent, clean and true.
Once bitten by the tub amp sound one has a hard time plugging the solid state back into the wall.
