I'm confused about something and hope someone can offer an explanation.
Over and over again I hear/read about the KT-88's superior power output over that of the EL34.
However, in George's SSE simulations, the EL34 appears to consistently provide more output power than the KT-88, all else being equal (B+, Load Z, etc.). In fact, the EL34 at 450v B+ can match or outperform the KT-88 at 500v B+ in some cases (?)
See attached for the sorted, relevant data from George's simulations.
(Note: Yes, I do see that the KT-88 distortion figures are significantly better at comparable output power)
Over and over again I hear/read about the KT-88's superior power output over that of the EL34.
However, in George's SSE simulations, the EL34 appears to consistently provide more output power than the KT-88, all else being equal (B+, Load Z, etc.). In fact, the EL34 at 450v B+ can match or outperform the KT-88 at 500v B+ in some cases (?)
See attached for the sorted, relevant data from George's simulations.
(Note: Yes, I do see that the KT-88 distortion figures are significantly better at comparable output power)
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Those are simulations, the real world is far from ideal.
IIRC, those simulations are for triode mode only. Most folks run KT-88 in ultra linear (UL) or pentode. KT-88 can do in excess of 12 watts in UL. Not sure what EL-34 can do in UL.
The big difference between EL-34 and KT-88 is not the plate dissipation or the power output, but that one ( EL-34 ) is a true power pentode, and the other is a beam tetrode.
Some folks say they sound different.
IIRC, those simulations are for triode mode only. Most folks run KT-88 in ultra linear (UL) or pentode. KT-88 can do in excess of 12 watts in UL. Not sure what EL-34 can do in UL.
The big difference between EL-34 and KT-88 is not the plate dissipation or the power output, but that one ( EL-34 ) is a true power pentode, and the other is a beam tetrode.
Some folks say they sound different.
What an absolutely perfect answer. I really need to work on my search skills.
Thank you.