I start a new thread with details of my Transformer/Tube Output Stage, not wanted to spoil the "Passive-Active I/V stage" thread any longer.
The topology is based on the SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push Pull) arrangement. Both tube halves operate in grounded cathode mode, and are driven push-pull. The low input impedance of the cathodes seen by the secondary is transformed back to the primary. The impedance transformation is the turns ratio squared, so the DAC output can see very low load impedance (around 5 ohms).
The circuit is designed for two TDA1541A DACs, one is driven with inverted binary input, so they give push-pull output currents of 8 mA peak-to-peak.
The bias currents in the primary windings flow in opposite direction, so the transformer core will not be magnetized. Same is true for the secondaries.
I built the circuit with Lundahl LL1678 transformers and Mullard E88CC tubes. The measurement results at 2 V RMS output signal are (Left and Right channel):
THD = 0.03% / 0.018%
IMD (250 Hz + 7 kHz, 4:1) = 0.038% / 0.02%
S/N linear = 69 dB / 62 dB
S/N A weighted = 75.3 dB / 72.6 dB
Frequency response:
10 Hz = -0.4 dB
100 kHz = -1.5 dB
Only one half of the primary is connected to a single DAC currently (there is 2 mA bias current flowing through the coil). The 0 dB output signal from a test CD is 2.5 V RMS with the DAC connected. The listening tests are very positive so far.
The topology is based on the SRPP (Shunt Regulated Push Pull) arrangement. Both tube halves operate in grounded cathode mode, and are driven push-pull. The low input impedance of the cathodes seen by the secondary is transformed back to the primary. The impedance transformation is the turns ratio squared, so the DAC output can see very low load impedance (around 5 ohms).
The circuit is designed for two TDA1541A DACs, one is driven with inverted binary input, so they give push-pull output currents of 8 mA peak-to-peak.
The bias currents in the primary windings flow in opposite direction, so the transformer core will not be magnetized. Same is true for the secondaries.
I built the circuit with Lundahl LL1678 transformers and Mullard E88CC tubes. The measurement results at 2 V RMS output signal are (Left and Right channel):
THD = 0.03% / 0.018%
IMD (250 Hz + 7 kHz, 4:1) = 0.038% / 0.02%
S/N linear = 69 dB / 62 dB
S/N A weighted = 75.3 dB / 72.6 dB
Frequency response:
10 Hz = -0.4 dB
100 kHz = -1.5 dB
Only one half of the primary is connected to a single DAC currently (there is 2 mA bias current flowing through the coil). The 0 dB output signal from a test CD is 2.5 V RMS with the DAC connected. The listening tests are very positive so far.