Hi
I own a pair of THF-51S but at the moment I’ve got the itch to build a small SET using a 45 output tube. I own a 6B4G GSG but often wonder about the sound of the 45.
Before I go ahead and invest in a pair of 45 and driver I’d like to know if anyone has ever compared a SIT (VFET) with a 45 SET.
I’m aware that the 45 can only deliver a few Watt vs the SIT.
Thanks for your time.
Eric
I own a pair of THF-51S but at the moment I’ve got the itch to build a small SET using a 45 output tube. I own a 6B4G GSG but often wonder about the sound of the 45.
Before I go ahead and invest in a pair of 45 and driver I’d like to know if anyone has ever compared a SIT (VFET) with a 45 SET.
I’m aware that the 45 can only deliver a few Watt vs the SIT.
Thanks for your time.
Eric
the 45 or the Vfet don't have a particular sound , for the 45 it depends of the tube driver and outptut transformer and for the Vftet in SET mode , if it is resisort , inductor or transistor loading . you can also build a VFet set amplifier with an output transformer
proper SIT based amp is in same league as proper SET amp
what you're going to like more, really depends of chosen construction and execution
what you're going to like more, really depends of chosen construction and execution
I reverse engineered my Korneff 45 amp and build a super premium version. The best caps and resistors, Low IMD silver secondary Electra-Print outputs, and EML ST and Globe 45s along with a vast array of NOS 45s and many different pairs of 6SN7/VT-231 drivers and EMS and NOS rectifiers.
My SIT-3 bests this amp in all respects and also offers extra headroom with my efficient Altec 19. The 45 amp may have a slightly more luscious midrange...maybe...possibly...sometimes.
I'm guessing you'd have to build an all-out assault DHT 45 amp to compete with the SIT-3 and probably the other SIT amp projects written about here. That could be a very expensive proposition. I don't mean to discourage you from a tube build and I don't regret my 45 project.
My SIT-3 bests this amp in all respects and also offers extra headroom with my efficient Altec 19. The 45 amp may have a slightly more luscious midrange...maybe...possibly...sometimes.
I'm guessing you'd have to build an all-out assault DHT 45 amp to compete with the SIT-3 and probably the other SIT amp projects written about here. That could be a very expensive proposition. I don't mean to discourage you from a tube build and I don't regret my 45 project.
Thanks everyone, great feedback, much appreciated.
I’ll stick with the Tokin THF-51F 👍
Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
I’ll stick with the Tokin THF-51F 👍
Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
I have a pair of the Tokin THF-51S SITs too. I am curious what circuit with these transistors would rival a 45 SET amp?
To date, I’ll built the Pass DIY Sony VFET push-pull amp and Pass DIY Aleph J SE amp. Both are awesome amps and I love them both, even in comparison to my rebuilt McIntosh MC 240 push-pull tube amp. I bought the Tokin’s when Nelson Pass advised us to get at least a pair for an SIT project he planned to design at some point.
To date, I’ll built the Pass DIY Sony VFET push-pull amp and Pass DIY Aleph J SE amp. Both are awesome amps and I love them both, even in comparison to my rebuilt McIntosh MC 240 push-pull tube amp. I bought the Tokin’s when Nelson Pass advised us to get at least a pair for an SIT project he planned to design at some point.
I have a SET 45 and it is not one of my favorite SET amps. I have a number of them along with most of the FW clones. I prefer the sound of my SET300B over all my amps. A SS V-fet amp, I have both the PP and SE V-fets, is really close. Close enough to not be concerned about which is better. Better would depend on individual preference. Build a SET 300B instead if you are into tubes. Nelson compares the SIT-1 and SIT-2 to the SET 300B for a reason. SET 300B sound in SS.
The power difference alone would make it near impossible to compare the two on anything but maybe a VOXATIV loudspeaker and even then at low volume just to be sure the 45 got a fair chance.
I would have to disagree unless you like your music blaring. I have a few full range rated 96dB and I really enjoy them with my Darling Amp (0.75W)
It all depends on your choice of music and listening level on whether you will be satisfied with a SET-45 tube amplifier. What I found being said about a SET 45 amp over the years is that it supposedly sounds more accurate reproducing instruments than many other amps. Whether true or not I have no idea not knowing how for an example how a violin is supposed to sound. Having many amplifiers I have found I need only a few watts with speakers 90db efficient or better. I love horns and SET amplifiers with the kind of music I enjoy. Many of the FW clones will be plenty close enough in SS to not make that much difference unless you are a reviewer who cares more about reviewing equipement than the music. Been there, done that. Nelson has said it best when comparing active devices. Very few SS transistors have curves like a triode tube but the ones that do will sound very much like a triode tube. Mosfets sound more like a pentode. Then there are many that prefer BJT output transistor sound best. What you like others may say sound awful to them.