Tubes upgrade Triode-Tetrode what is the difference?

 

Bronze Member
Username: Zorro

Post Number: 90
Registered: Jul-05
Hello all,
I currently have an all NAD Set up (c-162, c-270) driving a pair of Focal JMLab Electra 1027 Be's. I have the itch to to upgrade and would like to explore the world of tubes of which I know nothing, I just remember how nice the music sounded when my father used to listen to his albums.

So, I have some of questions and I am hoping you guys can patiently assist me to try to get some answers .

I would like to start with a new Amplifier so here comes the first roadblock.

1) Can a tube amp be connected to an analog Pre? I have my eyes set on a VTL ST 150. Does it even make sense to do this or just wait and save mo'money to buy a tube pre? The problem is that it will take me close to a year to save to buy the matching VTL tl 2.5.

2) What is the difference between Triode and Tetrode mode? Does it have to do with how difficult the speakers are to drive? Are there any benefits?

3) My current source is a Rega Apollo CDP. Will I need to switch to a tube CDP as well?

4) I see a new turntable in my future, my current Technics is just not gonna cut it. Any suggestions under $2000 ?

I listen to a variety of music, from Jazz to Classical and lots of Classic Rock.

Thanks a lot for your input guys

Cheers
 

Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 12998
Registered: May-04
.

Start here, more to come; https://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/forum/home-audio/119397.html
 

Silver Member
Username: Stryvn

Wisconsin

Post Number: 830
Registered: Dec-06
Take your time, Zorro, and read the thread Jan has linked up. It'll take you a few days, but it is oozing good info! There's also some great links within that thread that'll give you a lot more info.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Zorro

Post Number: 91
Registered: Jul-05
Jan,

Thanks much for the link. lots and lots of info to digest.

Stryvn,

You are right it will take some time but I am sure I will be worth it.

Thanks guys
 

Platinum Member
Username: Jan_b_vigne

Dallas, TX

Post Number: 13000
Registered: May-04
.

I don't want to be overly rude but as you've phrased your questions many of them could be answered by some work with a search engine or even looking through the archives of this forum.

http://www.vacuumtubes.net/How_Vacuum_Tubes_Work.htm

http://www.ken-gilbert.com/techstuff/vtf.html

http://www.worldtubeaudio.com/directory/categories/kategorie_6.htm

http://openbookproject.net//electricCircuits/Semi/SEMI_13.html

http://www.lh-electric.4t.com/tutorials.htm

http://www.webace.com.au/~electron/tubes/ul.html



"1) Can a tube amp be connected to an analog Pre? I have my eyes set on a VTL ST 150. Does it even make sense to do this or just wait and save mo'money to buy a tube pre?"


Tubes are analog devices.

You can build your systen any way you like. If your speakers will work well with a tube amplifier, you can start there or you can buy a tube pre amp first. If your speakers will not work well with a tube amp and you don't intend to replace your present speakers in the near future, you should not buy a tube amplifier and expect good results.

http://www.symphonysound.com/articles/tubefriendly.html


"2) What is the difference between Triode and Tetrode mode? Does it have to do with how difficult the speakers are to drive? Are there any benefits?"


It depends on how you get to triode and tetrode mode - and I'm unfamiliar with "tetrode mode". A triode is the simplest amplification stage available. It is named for its three component parts which make the current flow from plate to cathode while being regulated by a grid.

Triode type tubes are all that existed for many years in the first quarter of the last century. Triodes are still available as a type of operation which can be either signle ended, push pull or parallel connection with each type having its own set of virtues and faults. A triode amplifier is a triode amplifier and nothing else - it is not switchable to pentode operation if you buy a triode type amplifier.

A tetrode adds an aditional piece to the internal workings of the tube but most four component vacuum tubes used as output devices are not referred to as "tetrodes". A beam power tube is often referred to as a tetrode because of its additional architecture compared to a triode but sometimes you will also see it referred to as a pentode by mistake.

A pentode is the most common output tube and the most complicated tube architecturally that you will probably come across in home audio. Most common output tubes in home audio are of the pentode variety. A tetrode, beam power or pentode type tube can be run as a triode by disconnecting a few internal parts but you cannot turn a triode into a tetrode, beam power or pentode.

Some amplifiers are now allowing the user to switch between pentode and triode operation. For the most part I don't think much of his scheme since you are not buying a very simple triode tube and circuit to begin with. I see this as marketing to the uneducated.

Switchable triode operation will typically result in about 50-60% of the output power available from the same amplifier run in pentode (which is normally connected as an UltraLinear circuit) operation. So to a degree how sensitive your speakers are will matter quite a bit and how difficult they are to drive will matter less but cannot be ruled out of the equation. Tubes are typically not well suited to difficult to drive loudspeakers.


"3) My current source is a Rega Apollo CDP. Will I need to switch to a tube CDP as well?"

No. I run an Apollo into a tube pre amp which then feeds two tube power amplifiers. There are a few technical considerations to take into account when matching components but you shouldn't have any real problems running the Rega into most modern tube pre amps.


"4) I see a new turntable in my future, my current Technics is just not gonna cut it. Any suggestions under $2000 ?"

Nope. There are plenty of good tables to choose from.

Do some reading and come back if you have more questions.



Why do you want tubes?


.
 

Platinum Member
Username: Nuck

Post Number: 10803
Registered: Dec-04
Hehe, go ahead Zorro.

I love my tubes.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Zorro

Post Number: 92
Registered: Jul-05
Thanks again Jan,
I want tubes simply because to my ears, my father's set up sounds a lot nicer than mine. He insists that tubes are more "musical" . What I can probably do is take my speakers to my father's place and try them out with his amps. He is got some old McIntosh amps and some ancient Acoustic Research speakers but age does not matter, the system sounds pretty darn good!

Chose the VTL's because my friend has the same amps running some B&W speakers and they just captured my attention big time.

Duh ! I can ask him if I could audition my speakers with his amps as well. Feel like a fool


Thanks for the great information. I feel like I am in the classroom! lol

Now back to reading!
 

Bronze Member
Username: Zorro

Post Number: 93
Registered: Jul-05
what are those Nuck?

There's a variety of tube amps to chose from but they are certainly not cheap!

Well.....some chinese made are but.... who knows lol
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