What HiFi amplifier? What type to choose?

[@Horichdaslicht1858]

There are so many self-proclaimed experts that it is so refreshing to listen to these clear, articulate lectures delivered by a a classical recording producer, and they chime so well with my own experience, not as an "audiophile" but as a music-lover.. Thanks.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Douglas, very kind. Much appreciated.

[@RanTausi]

@@PearlAcoustics Many thanks for this great video ! , making it very nice explained and intuitive. I have a question and I hope you can answer, Just got a very rare power amp ADCOM GFA555 MK2 Nelson Pass design, bought it from the US and it was new and never opened from the original box, so it was in the original manufacturer box for more then 20-25 years, all I can say It is sound amazing, it is connected in my setup to used ADCOM GFP565 pre amp , and now I explore very nice and chip tube pre amp Fosi audio tube P1 with GE5654 tubes by Riverstone audio the sound is incredible. So do you think should I replaced the electrolytic caps inside the power amp ? I have removed the top cover and the internals of course looks as new and I have the Bias been checked by me and is as specs . Thanks in advance

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@RanTausi Hi. What I am about to tell you is my ‘opinion’. And as such, do not want to proclaim myself as an expert, so please take it as that - an opinion. My rule is, if it sounds good, and there’s no buzzing, hissing or excessive cone movement when idle, then leave it alone and simply enjoy it. 20-25 years is not old for an amplifier of that quality. In the old days (pre-1980’s) - people used oil filled capacitors and they definitely had a habit of breaking down. But todays modern components (and I include amps of the last 20 years) are generally way better made. Do enjoy it and look after it. Best wishes - Harley

[@RanTausi]

@@PearlAcoustics Many thanks 🙏 Harley, I got your point. Have a good day

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@RanTausi 👍

[@davidblake1663]

A great, calm, explanation from someone who really knows what they're talking about.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Very kind

[@oldestgamer]

Just put in my Marantz model 8 after bench testing, and it sounds amazing! Been through many tube amps and the Marantz is hands down the best I have heard in my system.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Great to hear!

[@resistro]

One of the greatest classes I ever watched on KZbin. Applause.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. You’re very kind!

[@ryansudding667]

As many have said, you never stop learning. Such a pleasant voice. Extremely articulate, yet able to explain complex elements in a simple and elegant manner. Thank you for the video.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@FaFa-vs2dd]

Wonderful description of expressing the cross over distortion due to class AB

[@sujeetsabnis7748]

This is the first video so far which gave me a clear understanding of different types of amplifiers and sound reproduction. Very well explained and easy to understand for a newbie like me. Thanks you sir. Highly appreciated.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You are very welcome. Thank you for your kind words, they are much appreciated.

[@rolandgeorges960]

Top presentation, congratulations. You are gifted in not being overly technical and still bringing enough to the table, creating a very good understanding of the subject.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Roland! Glad you appreciated it.

[@derelictegrasshopper]

Your little talk was as delightfully wonderful to listen to as I imagine any of the fancy pants pieces of audio gear you discus must indeed sound. Thank you for taking the time to explain the technical aspects behind these different conceptual approaches to audio amplification in such well thought out and appropriately paced way so that someone like myself could enjoy the whole video. I might never have taken the time otherwise. Very very good. Bravo. Subscribed.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Derek!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. So glad my video spoke to you in this way

[@dominicgonzalez6470]

Great explanations on all the topics I’ve been trying to understand this watched so many videos and i finally get the answers with good explanations

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@joyoffilming9500]

This was one of the best and easiest to listen to video about different amp types. I love the way how you describe by nature complex stuff only with your words and some metaphors, reducing things to wat‘s important to understand. Phenomenal!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Very kind.

[@kindface]

Simply a delightful chat to offer the serious hifi and music enthusiast a primer on what to look for when they acquire a set of hifi. I chanced upon this channel today and it's now my default hifi channel. Thanks very much, Mr Lovegrove.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You’re very welcome indeed. Thank you.

[@Rickzolla]

Very nicely done. This is the first video of yours I've found. Now I need to go back and watch all the rest.

[@fredmclaughlan7574]

What a wonderful gift for young musicians, a gift that keeps on giving! Great video on amplifier types for those looking for one that may suit their needs!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Fred!

[@jamespartington5]

Great video I used a Rotel ra921 from the year 2000 it sounds awsome and great with my debut carbon turntable I’m 27 and got started at 16 and been a Rotel user for 6 years and love thier stuff

[@mjbmark]

Best real world explanation of HiFi I have heard, great job.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you!

[@TheFreakonhell]

A very well sorted brain in this head! Congratulations to be at such a good mental health, at this age! I really like listening to him and his absolute honest knowledge and experience of life!

[@wladers39]

Thank you very much. This is probably the most informative video for a layman like myself I have ever had a chance of seeing.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! Glad it helped.

[@jordankashuba3467]

Now I better understand the technical reasons for what I have oberserved in relation to the differences between A, AB and D. Informative and well articulated. Thankyou

[@PearlAcoustics]

So pleased to hear this Jordan.

[@ZERO-CAPACITANCE]

Excellent video, I really appreciate your private seminars/music and engineering lessons. I have shared it with my brother and a family friend as they are enjoying their hi-fi systems.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, very kind.

[@pierangelobolis440]

Wonderful video about key topics at the roots of our HiFi passion. Never heard a so interesting explanation in more than 50 year of my HiFi hobby. Immediately subscribed to your valued channel. Many thanks!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Very kind. Much appreciated.

[@maroz73]

MANY THANKS , REALLY SUPERB TALK , THANK YOU SIR

[@perryrivera9033]

I subscribed to your excellent channel and greatly appreciate your effort to laymanize or simplify a lot of technical terms. Very refreshing indeed. So, you have a subscriber and avid fan from the Philippines. Wishing you all the best.

[@tmchany]

Your narrative on type of amps for the need is perfect for my learning about tube amp, thank you!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Glad my video was of some help.

[@TheoSmith249]

Your overly simplified explanation of amplification and speakers was concise. Thank you.

[@parrisgeorge9708]

I stumbled onto your video's this evening. Thank you for putting them out and especially this video. Your analogies and especially how you summed things up right at the end are great! I look forward to more of your content.

[@saltflyer]

Great explanations and its now so much easier to decide in which direction to go.. Saving up for Sibelius speakers..!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you 🙏 😉

[@humanitech]

Thanks for a very informative outline of amplifiers. We are all very lucky to have such a diversity of quality equipment to choose...to hopefully match the sound signatures that we personally want or would like to hear for our budgets. My favourite combination is to use a valve preamp and class d power amps. As class d power is very strong, neutral and highly efficient and then the tube pre allows (and can be further tuned) to provide a little more additional harmonic warmth and dimensionality and the sound can be further tweaked by rolling different tubes..which is fun. Sadly tube power amps for me are great but too expensive to run as good power tubes are often very expensive for the better ones. But you are right Chinese hifi gear is fab, often very well designed and built and very affordable...the only one small caveat regards warranties, service and support ..primarily due to location and logistical issues of course. But I have never had any issues or problems...after all many western brands are also made in China too. Thanks again and keep up the great work

[@matthewtaylor7355]

I purchased a 600gbp 300b amp from China sounds xcellent... The price was the clincher... The mark ups on audio as soon as it hits the UK is laffable.. Guitar shops r usually cheaper than hi fi shops for repairs... Their no crap approach is good.. And they sell very cheap interconects £3.99

[@DKBoerner]

Thank you for the great "infotainment". I really appreciate that you share your knowledge with the world, which is not self-evident. Knowledge is one of the most important things a person can have and this video is special of its kind. Were well made and it makes me feel that the world is getting a little friendlier and more cooperative again.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much indeed. You’re very kind. I too believe that Sharing knowledge and kindness are two of the very most precious gifts one has to give.

[@DKBoerner]

@@PearlAcoustics I hope a political excursus is not misplaced on this KZbin channel, but what makes me concerned is the war in Ukraine. Because I am a German, I feel especially distressed about the fact that the such a war of aggression happens again in Europe. But your videos always give me the notion of a collaborative European sprit, which is what I like about them so much.

[@osbert43]

Thank you so much for this video and the others I have viewed thus far. I’m nearing 60 and been into music listening equipment for many years. It took me many years to find the right amplifier for my Quad ESL57s and only after living with the others (Quad ll’s, 303, Leak even a pair of Altec Lansing 1569A mono blocks) before hearing it all come right with the Radford STA25. My point is the exercise of finding the right amplifier can be a journey of many years of listening before you arrive at your musical bliss. Again, wonderful videos but they do have me wanting to hear those Sibelius speakers. They look beautiful. One point I might add is that although internal components have generally improved, I’d argue that many output transformers of yesteryear are equal to those of today.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind appreciation. Agreed, some manufacturers were making very good output transformers. But even that technology has advanced in recent decades. But that does not necessarily mean ’sounding better’. Feel to contact us via our website to see if a listening session can be arranged. Enjoy your music and wonderful amplifier.

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

A danish hi-fi magazine once made a test together with the danish Quad import whether they could hear the difference between a Quad system and a selected high end system. They could detect the difference but it was very difficult. Regarding design and quality of components, the Jean Hiraga “Le Monstre” was famous for it’s ability to play with almost every loudspeaker. It had so much power reserve that it continued playing long after the power was dis-connected.

[@terrywho22]

Any idea which Quad and which hi-end system?

[@essendon72]

Great video. I could listen to you all day mate. You explain things very well ;)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! Very kind.

[@Hzim007]

Very well presented, I don't know anything about amplifier, but in this video i learned so much, thank you sir much appreciated, take care - azim

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Azim.

[@fullrangepointsource54]

Hello Mr. Lovegrove, a real fine job you’re doing and “…..you took the words right out of my mouth…..” ;-) ! Congrats that’s pure audiophile realism and I wish that there would be more people like you in this business. ‘Cause there not much people which know that for example 0.5 Watt even on a 85 dB speaker means room volume. So remember Depeche mode : ”Everyone counts in large amounts” that is the poison in peoples lifestyle. Kind regards from Germany!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for tour kind words

[@joybrucebruce3377]

britain truly does have a long historical record of making great speakers and audio equipment. Especially for acoustic type music.

[@johnmarchington3146]

A terrific video. Thank you. I live in New Zealand and own one of Gary Morrsion's Pure Audio pre=amplifiers and rate it as highly as you rate his stereo power amp.

[@eddiecampbell6238]

Lovely lecture. So grateful you took the time to share your knowledge a clear love of music and people.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you

[@ericb9426]

Another great talk from a UK perspective. Was waiting for you to get to damping factor which you did. I think the hard rock music of the late 60s/early 70s was a big push toward the AB amps. The MacIntosh amps (popular at the time) didn't handle heavy bass very well. Love these stimulating audio discussions - keep them coming.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your appreciation, it’s very welcome!

[@BastianUllr]

Finally someone with an impartial word... how refreshing considering you look and talk like the proper audiophile.

[@mediapc4747]

How does someone 'look' like an audiophile?.....but tbh you're right. Go to any tradeshow and it's old, grey men wall to wall, and that explains the type of music 'audiophiles' always seem to listen to and therefore the types of systems they rave about. I'd be very interested to listen to the views of someone with a more electic range of music interests.

[@BastianUllr]

@@mediapc4747 I listen to a lot of different genres myself. What do you imagine is different? I mean different genres, Death metal, EDM, Salsa, Punk, Brit Pop... etc. I personally wouldn't use a Sibelius. I much prefer the clarity of a 3-way. A good 3 Way can sound very coherent. But at the end of things, if we listen to death metal on a monophonic Bluetooth speaker, why a Sibelius should be discarded? At the end one would end up enjoying the music, quite frankly.

[@Csnumber1]

You would love both the sound and exceptional build quality of the Yamaha AS-801 Integrated Amplifier!! I’ve auditioned quite a few of Amps and landed on this A/B Amplifier, rated at 100 High Current amps, this amp which can be had for $699.00 on sale, (originally priced at 899.00) sounds as close to that smooth tube sound for the money as anything. Mated with a pair of KLH Kendall Towers rated a 96db, the ease at which the pair produces recorded music is never fatiguing and just a joy to listen to for hours. I owned the wonderful sounding Luxman LV105u, Tube Integrated amplifier, which I lost, well really stolen from a dealer I took to for servicing 15 years ago. It was such a wonderful sounding amplifier and beautifully designed. Nothing in its price range, I paid 1200 for it new, that I purchased ever matched its warm signature…..until the Yamaha! I haven’t heard the Heigl, but it’s been a delight to have at my home, which is a relatively small space….perfect for music listening!! Another great video….Loved it!!!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@FedericoSchweigmann-of7xc]

Very good video. I really enjoyed how you explained everything. I'm an electronic hobbyist, I put together my own amps trying/testing out different setups. Continue making videos of this caliber. I congratulate you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Frederico!

[@tompepper497]

Fascinating video. Whilst I am not greatly experienced or qualified in the art of sound reproduction I like the kit, I've got some, 70's stuff, Lecson, Revox, Leak 2075, and it sounded great!.. now it sounds like my telly with the bass up too high. I think nature has turned my top end filter to max.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind comment. The lack of treble could be a bit of both? Aging capacitors and or tweeters (most likely tweeters) that can easily be replaced and aging ears, that prove a more challenging reality (although our brains are very good at compensating).

[@tubespring]

Enjoyed the video. Easy to understand explanation of the subject with great illustrations!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you!

[@markorchard2272]

Great explanation. I have degree and a masters in MECHANICAL Engineering and I'm very technical... however this was superb.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, I am so glad you appreciated it

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

What an enjoyable video. Full of passion for music and musicians. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge. You've got a new subscriber!

[@jairai2739]

The best video about different type of amplifiers thanks so much!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Very kind

[@NebukedNezzer]

I have several very good tube amplifiers but the ones that are in service all the time are the 20 dollar class D solid state ones. your video here is very helpful

[@PearlAcoustics]

I am glad you found my video helpful… enjoy the music. Best wishes from Belgium

[@Peter-ii4xq]

Don't get me wrong, I like your topics very very much. A lot of people can learn a lot here.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks

[@chrisvaughan159]

My favourite Solid State Amp I've ever owned the ARCAM Delta 90.2. Favourite Valve Amp (current) a Chinese KT88 with replacement valves.

[@NicoRas-e9m]

Class AB is push-pull but you have many class A using push-pull topology as well. Go look at John Lindsley hood 1969 design and Jean Hiraga's that remains one of the best sounding amps around. Maybe speak to John Curl, Dan D'Agostino, Nelson Pass, etc. I agree class A is the best sounding topology ever and it is hard to tell why. Class D amplifiers are pure distortion, converting linear signal into square wave is distorting the signal.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, thanks for your comment. Indeed, I over simplified here. In fact one if my favourite amplifiers of all time is the Decware Torri V - which is class A ‘push pull’. Thanks for pointing this out and for the tip.

[@TheDjcarlos67]

The insight you share on music and hifi is absolutely fantastic. I learn so much from these

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you, that’s very nice to know. So glad

[@rongeernaert1208]

Thanks for this class lesson, and I have a DIY soundbar with Technics AA class stereo integrated SU-VX600 amp and two Dynaudio experience 62 speakers horizonataly mounted, with WiFi streaming Tidal Spotify Mood etc and I can ours listening without coming tired !

[@peterlarkin762]

Excellent video. I enjoy the long format. As you said, second hand amps should be tested on cheap speakers, PLUS be left running for hours to prove thermal stability.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. We think aligned!

[@davidknight1254]

Yep thanks Harley. Enjoyed your chat immensely. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks!

[@AntonioSilva-im3sj]

A great explanation that makes things so simple, in a pleasant way that makes us deepen more in the magic of sound and in the world of amplifiers where there will always be contradictions in search of perfection. Listening to someone with so much knowledge and experience I can’t resist asking their opinion about the monoblocks " Bel Canto SET-80" that I’m thinking of acquiring. I will continue to absorb and delight myself and his wonderful videos, which reach all over the world. In this case to Portugal. Thank you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you Antonio!

[@Sams911]

speaking of well made.. my American made McIntosh stuff is amazing, especially the C1100 pre-amp, but what takes that up a notch is the British made dCS Rossini with clock, and what takes that even up a notch is the Japanese made Accuphase DP-750 SACD player.. oh my God.. the sound of this stuff put together is just amazing.

[@mariocassar6087]

Enjoy

[@bobt2414]

Most welcome to hear from a true professional on what is otherwise 'Hi-Fi bs'. I remember building a PA design by John Linsley Hood in the early '70s which provided up to 25W in Class AB but with adjustable pre-set quiescent current in the output pair which varied the proportion of Class A amplification - see Wireless World Magazine of July 1970. Its specification seems ideally suited to your definition of 'it's the first watt which counts'. Anyway, my recollection is that the amplifier sounded so good that my friends came round just to have a listen and one at least counted it as a reference standard! Sadly, the transistor pair specified was fairly frail and has long since been discontinued. Modern replacements may not be up to the mark.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your kind words. Your amp sounded wonderful, I bet. However, I would not write off modern transistors, there are some really incredible products out there! Remember, when you built your amp, solid state transistors were still rather new technology 😉 time to rebuild it!

[@bobt2414]

@@PearlAcoustics In a way, I have done so. My current equipment includes amplifiers with Power MOSFET output stages. I like to think of them operating like potentiometers where the speaker joins to the wiper which moves up and down (resistively speaking) at audio frequencies! Half way to tubes, don't you think? Changing subject slightly, there's a lot going for sensitive, wide range single speakers as in your design. If money has to be spent anywhere, then it is the speaker you need to address for quality of experience. If you have to revert to a multi speaker approach, there was once a Yamaha design which used electroststics for the mid/high range and a massive, high density slab of polystyrene (measured in square feet) for bass. It sounded pretty good. Brings a whole new world of meaning to 'plane wave'.

[@masamunexc]

Excellent video thank you. Do you think there is much of a benefit to be had, if you only require about 10 watts at most, to get a much more powerful amp, something like 250 watts? Or will a 25 watt amp give the same kind of performance for that same volume? Assume they are the same brand of amplifier, such as Pass Labs INT-25 vs INT-250

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind comment of appreciation. Your question is complex because there are so many variables. I always say a very high quality low wattage amplifier is always going to sound better than a lesser quality higher powered amplifier. If your room is not massive and very heavily damped (thick carpets and curtains etc) and if your speakers are 85db or above, then a good 25w per channel amplifier will be fine. Even less for some tube amplifiers. I hope that helps a little bit?

[@masamunexc]

@@PearlAcoustics thank you for replying! I’m using an Accuphase E-280 120 watts into 4 ohms ,on Totem Acoustics Element Metals (88db sens). The sound quality is excellent but was considering moving up the Accuphase line to the E-4000 which is twice the power, just wasn’t sure if all that extra power would gain me much benefit if I’m only typically using about 10 watts at my listening position.

[@brucermarino]

Sounds like shades of DNM's amplifier philosophy. Thanks for another great presentation!

[@nirodha35]

Great report, Terry! 🙂👌Heard the new Trios twice and they are really special🎶. Waiting to hear the new Duos GT

[@9337628338]

Exceptional and true.. What a beautiful presentation.. Loved it.. Regards. 🙏🏻

[@JLSGK]

Excellent as always. I would love to see a video by you on DACs.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. Watch this space 😉

[@joeysarmiento1925]

Good evening 🌺 from my humble country ❤️ the Philippines Mr Lovegrove... This is my second video for the day from Pearl Acoustics. Very informative easy to understand explanation of the types of amplifiers. My son just bought a NAD C338 or 388 from his Christmas bonus. I just bought a can of electronic contact cleaner and the baffless for my Coral 6CX will be done by Friday next week. It's a 98dB coaxial drivers and I am excited about hooking it up with what I think is a good baffles sporting a similar rectangular port like your speaker 🔊, my favourite Sibelius speakers. My favourite Class A integrated amplifier is the Musical Fidelity A-1 or A1X. I heard a brand new one 20 years ago and I am hesitant to buy a second hand ✋ unit because of its price (they are kinda pricey considering they are used units and I don't know its history) and how hot they operate but since I got a lot of education from you sir, I don't think I will be using beyond 2w/chan for the kind of speakers I have. The 86dB Celestion 1 I have when I put them in a box similar to your Sibelius is around 93dB because it plays loudly at pleasant levels. I don't crank the volume that much. I just played a direct to disc LP and my neighbor in front hum the melodic right up when I plan to change the record so I put the same LP and spin it back. Just an update, I made a similar box like your nice Sibelius instead of making an adjustable port as warmly suggested by my carpenter. He needs the extra cash to take his wife out for a simple dinner and grocery for the holidays.

[@alexg4284]

I just got the Quad Artera Stereo power amp, really happy with it and agree good value for money. Only issue is now I want the Artera Mono blocks!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for sharing. Enjoy!

[@judeperera7529]

I have a question. I am living close to the equator. 30 -33 Celsius ( 86 - 92 Fahrenheit). Hence, it is always summer. I recently tested a Class A tube amp with 211 tube set and ECC82 tube set. I am very much in love with the musicality of it. Will it be a practical thing to use this Amp in my bedroom due to its heat? Also, will it run into problems if I use it daily for 2-3 hours due to summer whether?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Jude, sorry for the delay in replying. Technically you should be fine, most amplifiers can cope. The biggest challenge is that you are adding more heat into an already hot room 😅. But if you love the sound, go with it. Just make sure your amplifier is well ventilated.

[@judeperera7529]

Thank you 👍

[@rolandlickert2904]

I'm happy with my NAD C388 its future orientated because it can up-grated by adding MDC Modules into the amp such as BluOS (streaming etc) for an affordable price meaning you don't need a separate streamer that cost much more.I did had all types of amps during the last 50 years and all sounded great(including a QUAD).However today the technology move much faster therefore I choose an integrated amp that can keep up when new technology is available.Beside that I always liked fast and dynamic amps.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing Roland.

[@satanertau2689]

Thank you SO much,the listen was worth every second. I learned a lot! First time here,subscription time.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you - you’re very welcome

[@luismelendez488]

Thank you very much for the explanation, very didactic, your talk is very pleasant to listen to, thanks again, a warm greeting from México.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. You’re very welcome. Greetings from Belgium

[@ML-rm3vk]

Sir your video are like a fire side chat wonderful insightful brilliant extremely helpful thank you.your knowledge of recorded music is a blessing.peace a fan and a yank.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You are very kind. I hope to make many more, on all kinds of related topics. Thanks again, H

[@ericriggert9231]

The famous McIntosh MC240 and MC275 designs are all Class AB tube (valve) designs. I wonder if the using tubes for push-pull stages creates different/less/less annoying distortion around that switchover point that you mention (the zero crossing).

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, I am not sure that it’s the tubes that make a difference on this point but the circuit design itself. Maybe someone else will have a more specific answer?

[@eugeniodinardo3881]

I appreciate your videos so much thank you sir! I’m in need of a new amplifier and I want Class A, love the sound of tubes, but what is the hum or noise I hear ? Are all Tube amplifiers the same, in regards to noise and hum? Once again , thank you

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad you like them! 🙏. No, not all tube amplifiers are noisy or hum. Hum can be generated by a number of factors. But class A tube amplifiers have very big mains transformers, and in some designs they can become audible. The rule of thumb here is that the hum should not be audible in the listening position, when the system is on and warmed up and with no music playing. I hope that helps?

[@markbarber5530]

What is the difference between tubes in amps and how do they work and how do they make the sound different in sound between them

[@PearlAcoustics]

OK, thanks for your questions. I would love to answer them here but it's a very big topic. I do talk about tube amplifiers and how they work in some of my earlier videos: on 'What Amplifier' and the 'Ming-Da' video and again in the Torri video. But there are also loads of really good KZbin videos on the topic too. Hope this helps?

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

In 1984 I bought a MOSFET Tandberg 3012. It's still running every day. Only had to clean the potmeters once. I listened to other amps afterwards, but just not worth it. It has a prepre for my AT 33 and that's a rare thing these days.

[@mdlatham]

What a great explanation! Thank you very much for this it was very educational

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. You’re very welcome

[@celestromel]

I am so much enjoying your lectures - and the common-sense embodied in the Sibelius philosophy. I'd love to hear them but since I live in Sydney, probably unlikely. I'll just have to struggle on with my MartinLogans.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your kind appreciation! Martin Logan make fine Loudspeakers, you could do a lot worse! 😉 Hopefully,one day, you’ll hear a pair. I think we have some owners in Australia

[@CraftAero]

For music I have a SE Triode/Pentode (6L6G) Valve amp. 9Watts/side I live in Northern Canada. If it gets too cold, I turn up the music.

[@terrywho22]

Which amp exactly? 6l6Gs are a bit rare. I suppose you can use 6L6GCs if you have some that suite you.

[@CraftAero]

@@terrywho22 It's a home build. I found a box of NOS 6L6G tubes (Westinghouse Radiotron Made in Canada). Spent over a year studying tube amps then built one. Bought the power and OPTs from Hammond (in Ontario).

[@terrywho22]

@@CraftAero Nice! Never heard a 6L6G, but the 6L6GC is one of my favorite tubes. I imagine that they sound similar.

[@Elliptic_Curve]

Super, many thanks for to explain the 1 watt = 87 Db. It was so usefull.

[@carlitomelon4610]

@aulker62 Thats 87db @ 1 metre from 1 Sebelius speaker....most of us listen at closer to 3 metres away which needs 3w for 87db for this speaker. Nevertheless the point is that you hardly ever use more than 10 Watts ;-)

[@davefreeh2892]

Great video. I listen to Zu speakers which like the Sibelius have no crossover. There is a full range 10 inch driver and a super tweeter that handles harmonIcs above 12k. The tweeter is protected with Clarity cap to prevent damage. I’m driving them with a Naim Nait 5Si integrated amp. I am considering moving to Sibelius. I like your approach to audio.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks for your appreciative comment.

[@harrisedgar]

What a wonderful video..!!! Or set of videos should I say. Lovely and helpful (I've just subscribed) I'm hoping you keep making them. Thank you very much

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you!

[@jonathandavis9507]

I would love another video on pre amplifiers!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Jonathan, that’s a good idea. Will do. But it might take a while

[@cpg8000]

Lovely video! Such a coherent lecture delivered with a genteelness. Thank you. You have a new subscriber.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you! Enjoy.

[@violin-schwerin]

Great video! I use a Croft acoustics micro25 phono pre (all valve) and Croft Series 7 hybrid amp (valve input, mosfet output)

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. Hybrid naked a lot of sense!

[@violin-schwerin]

@@PearlAcoustics since there's no headphone output on the Croft, I've gone for a otl tube headphone amp from Feliks audio

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@violin-schwerin Interesting. I use a QUAD PA One, tube headphone amp or the really good VMV A1. But all of these tools are solving the same problem. 😉 best wishes, H

[@TheEdgeX1]

Totally helpfull thank you so much, you have the great way to explain things!

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you!

[@lapetitemortbis]

First of all thank you for all this fantastic and extremely valuable content. I just would like to recommend smething: Generally in life there is so little time and so much content to consume in multiple topics, interests etc. I think the best format for these videos should be a much shorter content while giving the ability to your followers to follow up on the details on written format in the form of an article. But of course one can not thank you enough for doing this, so I hope you don’t take this the wrong way

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you very much for your kind words. Thanks too for the suggestions. I will certainly give them some thought. Not quite sure over which channel the written content should be published. I know too, that my videos are rather long but I only make them once in a while so that they tend to get longer once I get started (especially as they are not scripted)! I feel that the great thing about the KZbin channel is that, like a book, one can always pause a video when needed and return to it later. I will reflect on your suggestions Enjoy your music.

[@pontusmalmstrom1055]

Saying that class A is single end and class AB is push pull is making things a bit too simple. Although all single ended amps, the ones that "amplify the whole signal in one go", are class A, does not imply that a class A amp can not be push pull, nor indeed, that a push pull amp has to be class AB. Apart from this reservation I find your talk very refreshing and informative. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, you’re absolutely right. I over simplified it. ‘Push pull, class A’ is real and often very effective. I should have found a better way to explain it.

[@yitspaerl7255]

Thank you so much for your good expert story without prejudice. Indeed, In China they can of course make good audio equipment. All value for money. A good Naim or Quad clone is not free there either. As a senior hard and software enthusiast, I chose to build a Krell KSA-50 class A clone myself because of the costs. However, passively cooled which turned out not to be easy. I set up the power supply a bit more modern than the original design. In addition, I built a Hiraga Le Monstre, only 8 to 10W per channel. Also class A. I provided the latter with an SMPS power supply instead of the dated original design. Well, I talk too long about myself instead of your excellent reviews: You evade any irrational dogma and rely on your professional knowledge. That's good in this world of disinformation. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

You are absolutely very welcome. All comments and additions to the topic are very welcome

[@j606ywt]

I currently have a 6w class A valve amp, driving a pair of Klipsch Heresy III speakers rated at 99db. The amp can drive those speakers very loud, and I don't dare pass 10 O'Clock on the volume dial for fear of blowing my ear drums. I have however read that I would need a more powerful amplifier to get the woofer performing correctly? This would allow the bass to be tighter and less boomy? I haven't really experienced the boomy bass from my setup, but it has got me thinking that I'm missing out. Is there anything in this recommendation?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi, I personally do not see any reason why a more powerful amplifier would give you any more bass. In fact, the opposite could be true in as much that some amplifiers, like the UFO Zen from Decware is rather bass heavy and is only 2,3 watts. You might want to listen to that first?

[@j606ywt]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you for the recommendation, I will research the Declare as you've recommended. I've also watched your video on the lyngdorf tdai 1120 which has me even more intrigued, offering a host of benefits over a more traditional amplifier. Great videos by the way.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@j606ywt thanks, you’re welcome

[@mauriciomucino1015]

What is that lovely tube amp bye Your side?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Ah that’s a Mingda ‘Piccolo’

[@grahammiles5695]

What’s the delightful piano piece that introduces the video?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you. It’s by a Belgian composer. Stefan Maylaers. Details can found in the credits. And it is available on a cd for sale on our website ‘Thinking about Belgium’ or on Spotify. ‘Philia’

[@jasonborn5645]

Oh my Jeeznes I've learned so much in this mate. I'm left a lil bonkers though. I do know how to throw my money in the right direction. Thank you Sir

[@PearlAcoustics]

Glad to help

[@PearlAcoustics]

Secret. Take your time. Stick with what you have until you hgave heard and seen a few systems, then decide.

[@ingo1947]

So much to learn... From you. ;) Can't help it... I just love the sound of my Marantz 4270 + CD-73 + a Thorens 147 Jubilee on Goodmans Dimension Pro.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Please, press, when you love something. Don’t discard it. Our relationship with our HiFi components should never be purely rational. 😉

[@AhmedAddas]

Rotel 1582mk2 or Quad artera ?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Tough choice. I personally would go for the Quad, but I am biased 😉

[@AhmedAddas]

@@PearlAcoustics Quad artera or Audiolab 8300xp

[@WheeledandWellArmed]

Very nice tutorial. I watched it twice now.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thanks. Glad you appreciated it

[@markcarrington8565]

Thanks for an excellent quality video. I agree entirely with your comments on vintage equipment. I have had a great deal of fun upgrading amplifiers with much better modern components, including electrolytic caps, wire wound resistors, speaker binding posts and even RCA sockets. The resulting improvements are clearly audible and I have no doubt these amps will go on for many years. I look forward to more of your videos.

[@ghfjhgdghdcg3175]

Good chat if a bit misleading. Class A and single ended are not the same thing, and in order to meet the transient requirements in some music for an average listening level of 1 watt, you would need 1000watts. Furthermore even order distortion is largely due to valve action not amplifier class. Enjoyable videos nonetheless.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your comment. And your additional input

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

I am missing Harley's wisdom on these matters. Can't wait.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi Charles, sorry for the late reply. Hopefully I will find time now for many more! Enjoy.

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

@@PearlAcoustics So many channels, but yours feels more enriching. Thank you.

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@TheCharlesAtoz thanks

[@reinhartfrais2434]

Thank you for your fabulous work of love, what amp would you recommend for Rogers Ls3/5 a 15 ohm I live in a high humidity environment better no valve amp. Thank you Reinhart

[@PearlAcoustics]

Oh that’s an impossible question 😉 there’s just way too much choice, depending on budget. I would go for either a Sugden A1SE or Lyngdorf TDAI 1120. With a strong preference for the Lyngdorf. I will make a video on it in early December.

[@Planardude]

Very informant post. The questions will always rage - class A, AB, class D. Obviously AB reigns the roost. I would guess it is over 90% of the amplifier market (amps and receivers included). At any rate the far dominate option. Having said that they are pretty well defined and properly implemented probably define the standard. Class A has their adherents however outside of Pass Labs few pursue this path and even Pass the majority of amps start with Class A and the transition to AB for more output. I have a Threshold 400A which I had rebuilt by one of the old Threshold engineers for my legacy system (1970's vintage). This is a fantastic amp but I don't dare use it in my non legacy systems. I am a planar guy so amps have been a significant issue for me. Electrostatics are highly demanding loads and i have blown up components that can't keep up. Planar magnetics (higher end Magnepans) require a lot of power so amps are somewhat critical. I have studio speakers with class D amps (Dynaudio, Yamaha) which are OK but when I listen to the "New Class D" such as Purify it is incredible I am a huge fan of Bryston (OK I am a totally biased Canadian but no affiliation) Great electronic with 20 year warranty. who can compete with that. Wish your speakers were in my area so I could audition them.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Hi thanks very much for your interesting comment and contribution to the topic. We do have auditioning facilities in Canada, feel free to reach out to us via our website. Enjoy the music

[@nickanstee4433]

Hello, great video. Could you please tell me which tube amplifier that is?

[@PearlAcoustics]

Dear Nick. Thank you for your kind words. The amplifier in the photo (on the top shelf, next to me) is the Piccolo mk2 from Ming Da. The big tube monoblocks on the floor are Ming-da Cavatinas. I hope this helps?

[@nickanstee4433]

@@PearlAcoustics Thank you, I have sent some more questions around the Sibelius speaker via email. Best Regards Nick

[@jaysworld5378]

Would a Sugden A21se Pure Class A Integrated be a good match for your speakers? I would imagine it would.

[@PearlAcoustics]

I am absolutely sure it would. Never heard one with them yet, but it’s on my list.

[@jaysworld5378]

@@PearlAcoustics if you do experience one with your speakers, hope you do a video to talk about it or perhaps a sample demonstration, thnx

[@PearlAcoustics]

@@jaysworld5378 sure, will arrange it 😉

[@heribertovalentin1563]

Nice video....I use a SET 2A3 amp 4 watts....what can I say just great sound and smooth....like those speakers behind you....I use a klipsch rp160 speakers on stands which sound very good....and I'm also using a tube preamp with a separate tube phono stage....looking in the future to change the preamp even thou it's all point to point wiring but looking for something more quite....but I must check out your other video's great info and thanks for sharing.....Ed in New York.....🎼🎵🎶😎🎄

[@snakeoilaudio]

A single-ended amp is always a class-a amp, it needs a lifted bias in order to swing both ways, but a class-a amp does not need to be single ended it can be push pull too. There is absolutely no difference between a class-a and a class a/b design, the only difference is with how much bias you are driving it. A class-b design is unsuitable for hifi use because you have x-over distortion like crazy, but if you just lift the bias by a little bit like half a watt or quarter of a watt the x-over distortions disappear. Now you are in class-a/b territory. Say you have an amp that can deliver 20 watts and you run it with 5 watts bias, then it is still a class-a/b amp even though it is very unlikely that you will ever run it above 5 watts. So within the limit of 5 watts it behaves exactly like a class-a amp. You can now lift it to 10 watts and it is still class-a/b. Only if you crank the bias up to it's maximum power it is called a class-a. The benefit of a class-a amp is not that is has a better distortion spectrum, there are class-a amps that distort terribly, thats a matter of design, the only real benefit is that your music is not putting any load on your power supply. You can build a class-a/b solid state amp that distorts beautifully like a tube with perfect K2.

[@PearlAcoustics]

Thank you for your contribution to the topic