Not an easy question. Fixed bias has obviously better bass in all configurations i've tried. The rest may vary upon the specific implementation.
Some power triodes are more willing to draw grid current with fixed bias. This obviously increases demands towards the biasing circuit. I have always been suspicious towards the sonics of the 25W cathode resistors but replacing those (and the cathode caps) with a fixed bias circuit does not necessarily bring all-round improvements. Often the sound becomes too dry and solid-state-like; probably the sonics of the fixed bias network become obvious.
In my current amp this dillema is even more acute - the cathode bypass cap is replaced with an 'ultracap' style capacitor and i just don't see how a fixed bias arrangement can possibly emulate the sonic advantages of the ultracap connection.
At the end, as usually, the best approach is to try several biasing arrangements and choose the best sounding one in the context of your output tubes, your system and your ears.
Hi,
Exactly.
The PS for the fixed bias supply is often the last place people look at when improving an amplifier.
IME_ I'm not alone either_ it's well worth the extra time and effort to put in some quality components and improve the circuit with whatever means available.
Some circuits will show more audible improvements then others but that's nothing new either...
Cheers,
Exactly.
The PS for the fixed bias supply is often the last place people look at when improving an amplifier.
IME_ I'm not alone either_ it's well worth the extra time and effort to put in some quality components and improve the circuit with whatever means available.
Some circuits will show more audible improvements then others but that's nothing new either...
Cheers,
The main differences are not because of fixed versus automatic per se; it's really more a question of implementation and how much attention the designer has paid to overload recovery. This bias of the output tubes is the very spot where most verifiable audible problems start. Blocking distortion is very recognizable and very offensive.
Sy wrote:
Fixed bias (a confusing term- it's actually adjustable) trades off some DC stability and complication for more power and lower distortion. Take your pick.
(Oh, BTW. Hi Sy! How have you been!?)
My reply:
HUH!!!!!????????????????
I do not understand the above. "Fixed" bias is adjustable only inasmuch as when one replaces tubes, one adjusts bias to the proper spec... then leaves it alone... or... fixed.
Depending on where one places the fixed bias, and yes I agree that one usually finds fixed bias on amps where the tubes are being pushed for maximum power output, the sound quality can be every bit as good, if not better than standard or cathode bias.
Just talk to the folks at Conrad Johnson, who both uses solid state rectification and voltage regulation, and also fixed bias. I have heard their amps. I for one would not argue with them! You know, proof in the pudding and all that.
An amp with lower distortion... sounds good! Yes, if the bias is fixed to the maximum of the tube, where it is virtually class B, then it does tend to sound more solid state. But one can fix bias at a more AB1 bias and if one would pardon the expression have one's cake and eat it too (the afore mentioned Conrad Johnson). So one can get better dynamics and tighter deeper bass and have that famous tube sound.
Want more power? Use bigger tubes and higher B+. Me, I want better sound. SS rectification, voltage regulation and fixed bias give that to me. But the audio path must see grids, cathodes and plates.
Now, amps that draw grid current for more power also need fixed bias, but are only designed that way if the engineer wants it that way, hence the class A2, or AB2, etc. But that's another argument.
My
Gabe
Fixed bias (a confusing term- it's actually adjustable) trades off some DC stability and complication for more power and lower distortion. Take your pick.
(Oh, BTW. Hi Sy! How have you been!?)
My reply:
HUH!!!!!????????????????
I do not understand the above. "Fixed" bias is adjustable only inasmuch as when one replaces tubes, one adjusts bias to the proper spec... then leaves it alone... or... fixed.
Depending on where one places the fixed bias, and yes I agree that one usually finds fixed bias on amps where the tubes are being pushed for maximum power output, the sound quality can be every bit as good, if not better than standard or cathode bias.
Just talk to the folks at Conrad Johnson, who both uses solid state rectification and voltage regulation, and also fixed bias. I have heard their amps. I for one would not argue with them! You know, proof in the pudding and all that.
An amp with lower distortion... sounds good! Yes, if the bias is fixed to the maximum of the tube, where it is virtually class B, then it does tend to sound more solid state. But one can fix bias at a more AB1 bias and if one would pardon the expression have one's cake and eat it too (the afore mentioned Conrad Johnson). So one can get better dynamics and tighter deeper bass and have that famous tube sound.
Want more power? Use bigger tubes and higher B+. Me, I want better sound. SS rectification, voltage regulation and fixed bias give that to me. But the audio path must see grids, cathodes and plates.
Now, amps that draw grid current for more power also need fixed bias, but are only designed that way if the engineer wants it that way, hence the class A2, or AB2, etc. But that's another argument.
My
Gabe
- Status
- This old topic is closed. If you want to reopen this topic, contact a moderator using the "Report Post" button.