Hi,
Can someone please explain the difference between parallel single ended and single ended in a tube amplifier. For instance the Audio Note OTO sell an SE version and an PSE version.
What are the differences and advantages? Is one better than the other?
Is it the wiring of the tubes that is different and are the output transformers different in any major way.
If building a RH84 for instance would it be better to build an SE or PSE?
I know it’s a lot of questions but value your time and input
Thanks
Can someone please explain the difference between parallel single ended and single ended in a tube amplifier. For instance the Audio Note OTO sell an SE version and an PSE version.
What are the differences and advantages? Is one better than the other?
Is it the wiring of the tubes that is different and are the output transformers different in any major way.
If building a RH84 for instance would it be better to build an SE or PSE?
I know it’s a lot of questions but value your time and input
Thanks
SE uses one output tube per channel and PSE uses two per channel. The "P" refers to parallel, which means the internal tube elements are wired in parallel.
If you search you should be able to find a schematic that gives you an idea about the wiring.
PSE will produce more power but I don't think it's quite twice as much. (My technical knowledge is limited) If you adapt a SE design to PSE you will need a different output transformer with half the primary impedance. Other changes may be needed too.
Twice as much power may sound like a lot but it's not really as much as you might think. Subjectively, it takes 10x the power to sound "twice as loud". Every time you double the power output you get a 3db increase in volume. What's that sound like? Set your volume control where you like it and then move 1m / 39" closer to your speakers.
If you search you should be able to find a schematic that gives you an idea about the wiring.
PSE will produce more power but I don't think it's quite twice as much. (My technical knowledge is limited) If you adapt a SE design to PSE you will need a different output transformer with half the primary impedance. Other changes may be needed too.
Twice as much power may sound like a lot but it's not really as much as you might think. Subjectively, it takes 10x the power to sound "twice as loud". Every time you double the power output you get a 3db increase in volume. What's that sound like? Set your volume control where you like it and then move 1m / 39" closer to your speakers.
For PSE, you properly want to lower the OPT impedance to get more power. P= E square / OPT impedance. Increase cathode current via LM317 to supply two tubes.
Personally, for more power, I would build an EL34 SE instead of an EL84 PSE.
Thanks for mentioning this. I am building a parallel KT120 SE amp with a Hammond 1640sea OTP which has a 1.25k primary. I think this is a bit low for one tube but should be fine with parallel tubes.