Nov
27
Insights Into SE Versus PP Transformer Design
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A SE transformer has to do two things in life… carry the unbalanced DC and have enough magnetic oomph to do the AC duties well. PP outputs (largely so) are relieved of the DC duties. As a very general approximation the SE transformer will be four times as large as the PP transformer for equivalent [...]
Nov
27
Cascade Stages
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A common-cathode triode stage exibits an harmonic spectrum decreasing (in a monotonic way) with the frequency and the contribution furnished from even harmonics (particularly the second one) is preponderant. A similar pentode stage presents a wider spectrum and therefore a general increment in the THD values and a greater contribution furnished from odd harmonics. These [...]
Nov
25
SE Amplifier Output Impedance (pt.II)
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INTRODUCTION
This article is the second part of my examination of the output impedance (Zout) of triode single ended amplifiers using no negative feedback. Here I intent to examine carefully the effects at low frequencies, which I believe can help you understand the sometimes puzzling bass performance of SE amplifiers. With the help of the Thielle/Small [...]
Nov
25
SE Amplifier Output Impedance (pt. 1)
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INTRODUCTION
Much has been said about triode SE amplifiers with no negative feedback – how good they sound, how lively they present a musical performance and so on. Two easily measurable characteristics that make this type of amplifiers sound different are the amount of distortion produced with its particular spectrum and the high output impedance. This [...]
Nov
25
Open Baffle Speakers
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In the autumn of 2005, just on a whim, I listened to the CSS FR125S (on the right) simply mounted on a board. I was shocked at how much better they sounded than when boxed in, having tried them in several boxes. Then I tried the Visaton B200 (center), which is a driver purposefully designed [...]
Nov
24
How To Make Audio Output Transformers
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Basic calculations enough for building transformers with examples. (single ended amplifiers)
Nov
20
Understanding Amplifier Power Ratings
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There are different methods for measuring the power ratings for amplifiers and speakers. And different measuring methids give different values so it is vital to understand the difference between theosedifferent power ratings to be able to make at least some comaparisionf between different power ratings. This article is collection of information posted to rec.audio.tech newsgroup [...]
Nov
19
It’s the speaker stands, dummy!
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You have bought yourself a pair of your dream bookshelf speakers and then plod them onto a pair of stands of the appropriate height without any other due considerations, and find that the sound was less than what you expect. Despite running in after the required hours they still don’t right. This can lead to [...]
Nov
19
Why Single Ended Tube Amplifiers ?
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1. Introduction
Single Ended triode tube amplifiers are not that hard to find anymore. You can buy them from many companies or you can build one with parts that are offered by dozens of suppliers. The high-end audio press has been talking about them for the past several years and it is very strange that something [...]
Nov
19
Who invented surround sound system ?
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Please allow me to back up and start at the beginning. The person who truly invented surround sound is a man named Peter Scheiber back in the late seventies.
At that time, Dolby Labs leased Peter Scheiber’s patent for use in theaters. Dolby claimed it was theirs, but still pays royalties to Mr. Scheiber.