Hi,
Wondering what schematic you would be suggesting to drive a pair of ESL57's?
I have a single ended EL84 based integrated here that sounds quite good, but could use just slightly more power.
Would like to work around an EL34 based unit. (Have all the parts here for one of those)
If the EL34 is wired in triode mode, I think the 5 or so watts could work well for my needs as I do not push the speakers at all.
Thank you for your thoughts!
P
Wondering what schematic you would be suggesting to drive a pair of ESL57's?
I have a single ended EL84 based integrated here that sounds quite good, but could use just slightly more power.
Would like to work around an EL34 based unit. (Have all the parts here for one of those)
If the EL34 is wired in triode mode, I think the 5 or so watts could work well for my needs as I do not push the speakers at all.
Thank you for your thoughts!
P
"Mission impossible" driving ESL57 with -most of- SE amps. :-(
http://www.quadesl.com/quad_main.shtml
Capacitive load, dropping down to 2 Ohm.
IMHO 20-40W PP, gNFB -for low output impedance- is necessary.... or OTL.
http://www.quadesl.com/quad_main.shtml
Capacitive load, dropping down to 2 Ohm.
IMHO 20-40W PP, gNFB -for low output impedance- is necessary.... or OTL.
Thanks!
I’ve sort of familiarized myself w the “go to amps” for the ESL’s - like Bedini/Radcliffe etc.
I have a Cary SLI-50 (EL34 PP) which sounds really nice w them. I was very recent gifted a Marantz 7T that I just finished recapping. Love how it sounds and feel like if I found the “right” amp to go between it and the ESL’s, they might play well togwtthwr
They are rated at 15ohm, so a 16ohm tap on the output would be a good thing I thought?
They are rated at 15ohm, so a 16ohm tap on the output would be a good thing I thought?
Was considering the DIYAudio F6 clone, but not sure how it would work w the ESL’s.
I’ve built one of the recent VFet lottery amps, and have yet to try it w the speakers.
Just had a feeling a SE(T) could work well if I found the right schematic.
Thanks again!
Per
I’ve sort of familiarized myself w the “go to amps” for the ESL’s - like Bedini/Radcliffe etc.
I have a Cary SLI-50 (EL34 PP) which sounds really nice w them. I was very recent gifted a Marantz 7T that I just finished recapping. Love how it sounds and feel like if I found the “right” amp to go between it and the ESL’s, they might play well togwtthwr
They are rated at 15ohm, so a 16ohm tap on the output would be a good thing I thought?
They are rated at 15ohm, so a 16ohm tap on the output would be a good thing I thought?
Was considering the DIYAudio F6 clone, but not sure how it would work w the ESL’s.
I’ve built one of the recent VFet lottery amps, and have yet to try it w the speakers.
Just had a feeling a SE(T) could work well if I found the right schematic.
Thanks again!
Per
Be aware that amplifiers that have high output impedance will lose high frequencies into the ESL57
due to its impedance curve. Also there will be a bump in the bass.
Try something more like this:
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/dynaco/stereo-35.shtml
due to its impedance curve. Also there will be a bump in the bass.
Try something more like this:
https://www.hifiengine.com/manual_library/dynaco/stereo-35.shtml
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Single ended tube amps aren't great with any reactive loads like the quads, because they have high output impedances as said earlier. I'd suggest trying a well thought out EL84 based push pull amplifier or even an EL34 amplifier if you have a clamp circuit on your treble panel.
Sheldon
Sheldon
Sheldon, are you thinking something along the lines of an RM-10 in regards to EL84 PP? And I have not as of yet installed a clamp board 🙁
Is it the EL82 that has the driver tube built into the power tube?
That would certainly make for an amp that presents “simply”
Im not married to the SE route, I just want a “simple” amp that sounds musically (whatever the heck that means) and that is a good fit for the ESL.
Thanks!
Is it the EL82 that has the driver tube built into the power tube?
That would certainly make for an amp that presents “simply”
Im not married to the SE route, I just want a “simple” amp that sounds musically (whatever the heck that means) and that is a good fit for the ESL.
Thanks!
Look into the Tubelab amps for an easy way to get started on your tube journey. They are well established designs with lots of support. They can be built at many price points depending on the quality of the parts. He has both SE and PP designs. For the 57s I would do a PP EL84 to start with. I love SE amps but not with that speaker.
What they said.
If you still want to go the SE route, this one might float your boat (15 watts & reasonable damping factor for SE) = https://audioxpress.com/article/a-single-ended-e-linear-power-amplifier
Yes, most. I have driven double stacked ESL57s with a big SET. IIRC it was an 811 tube or similar transmitter. Around 18W.
We tested 4 amplifiers, the Quad 303 and 405, the SET and the Hiraga 20W Class-A. We really liked the SET at first, but with prolonged listening, the Hiraga was the winner. 20W Class-A was plenty to drive the double stacked panels. And it all sounded soooo good.
Been looking at the Hiraga as an option, and I’m quite curious to hear one. Wondering if anyone has compared it to the recent DIY store lottery Pass VFet amp and what the sonic differences are? Asking as I’m listening to one now.
Speaking of the DIY store, how would the F6 Clone work w the ESL-57’s, and has anyone heard it next to the Pass VFet?
Jims Audio sells some kits for the Hiraga, makes for a pretty straight forward build. Again, anyone have any experience with these?
Thanks!
Speaking of the DIY store, how would the F6 Clone work w the ESL-57’s, and has anyone heard it next to the Pass VFet?
Jims Audio sells some kits for the Hiraga, makes for a pretty straight forward build. Again, anyone have any experience with these?
Thanks!
I have not A/B tested any of those amps to one another. Would be nice to read what other people think.
Me too!
I was fortunate enough to get one of the Pass VFets in the lottery, and it’s a lovely sounding amp. And it’s the only reference I have here as far as a amplifier only. Everything else I have is an integrated.
I’ve been wanting to make an F6 clone forever, but I’m not sure how well it would work with the ESL’s, and I would like to know how it sounds compared to the VFet - which I’m finding is a bit on the “thin” and analytical side for my tastes. It does what it does really well, I would just prefer a more neutral/warm presentation.
I was fortunate enough to get one of the Pass VFets in the lottery, and it’s a lovely sounding amp. And it’s the only reference I have here as far as a amplifier only. Everything else I have is an integrated.
I’ve been wanting to make an F6 clone forever, but I’m not sure how well it would work with the ESL’s, and I would like to know how it sounds compared to the VFet - which I’m finding is a bit on the “thin” and analytical side for my tastes. It does what it does really well, I would just prefer a more neutral/warm presentation.
Took me a while, but I made a decision and built the Hiraga. It’s all assembled, just waiting for the transformer to arrive. Should be here on Monday… Trying to figure out what type of fuse to use? The transformer is a Hammond with dual 30 VAC CT, 300VA. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Per
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It is nice when everything comes together! Enjoy your Hiraga/ESL combo.