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Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Niteshade Audio => Topic started by: Guy 13 on 25 Aug 2012, 12:05 pm

Title: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Guy 13 on 25 Aug 2012, 12:05 pm
Hi all Audio Circle members.
I am curious to know what is the most powerful stereo tube amplifier that is available or that was ever made, that can be call audiophile amplifier?
Picture(s) please.
A picture is worth a thousand words !

Guy 13
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: poseidonsvoice on 25 Aug 2012, 12:15 pm
There are pictures on this link:

http://www.vtl.com/pages/Amplifiers/Siegfried/

If you can find the Wotan amps by VTL they were about 1.2 kilowatts as I remember.

Best, Anand.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: kingdeezie on 25 Aug 2012, 01:30 pm
Not as strong as the VTL Seigfried or Wotan, but significantly more aesthetically pleasing is the VAC Statement 450s.

Capable of 900 watts peak output, and 450 watts continuously, they are no slouches in the power department.

http://www.vac-amps.com/homepage.htm

When I hit the lottery, these will sure be in the running for my new amplifier.  :lol:
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 25 Aug 2012, 11:01 pm
I can't find the link. Someone developed a push-pull 500 or 1KW amp (can't remember!) using 572B's. You definitely want high power triodes for this job or else the amp will look like a pinball machine or an OTL.

Being practical, the most pentodes I like to use per channel are 4 and to keep the power rating between 100 & 200 watts per side for big amps. Using any more is asking for trouble for various reasons:
1) Tubes can age at different rates
2) Heat generation
3) Cost of tubes
4) Higher probability of circuit failure due to electrical failures in regards to multiple connections.

A high power push-pull 572B amp can use as few as two tubes per side and provide 500 watts. There are other tubes as well that would be interesting to try such as the Russian GI-7B and variations of that tube.
Title: MC2KW Monoblock Power Amplifier 2000 watts of continuous 8000 watts peak
Post by: Sumflow on 26 Aug 2012, 12:30 am

(http://www.who-sells-it.com/images/catalogs/1500/333_5951.jpg)

The MC2KW Monoblock Power Amplifier is designed to exceed the demands of true lifelike playback level, delivering 2000 watts of continuous power and 8000 watts peak power.

http://youtu.be/X_-ATtM0_4g[/font][/color]
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: mgalusha on 26 Aug 2012, 12:49 am
Not as strong as the VTL Seigfried or Wotan, but significantly more aesthetically pleasing is the VAC Statement 450s.

Capable of 900 watts peak output, and 450 watts continuously, they are no slouches in the power department.

http://www.vac-amps.com/homepage.htm

When I hit the lottery, these will sure be in the running for my new amplifier.  :lol:

A friend is bringing a pair of these by tomorrow so I can check them out, can't wait to hear them.  :thumb:
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 26 Aug 2012, 01:15 am
Hi all Audio Circle members.
I am curious to know what is the most powerful stereo tube amplifier that is available or that was ever made, that can be call audiophile amplifier?
Picture(s) please.
A picture is worth a thousand words !

Guy 13
A video also worth a thousand words if it is a vintage Philips 1kW amp playing Bach Tocatta 565:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qMVYf85sM
Look the meter pointer...
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: TONEPUB on 26 Aug 2012, 01:19 am
Manley makes some 500 watt mono blocks, and ARC makes the REF750's...

Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 26 Aug 2012, 01:36 am
I can't find the link. Someone developed a push-pull 500 or 1KW amp (can't remember!) using 572B's. You definitely want high power triodes for this job or else the amp will look like a pinball machine or an OTL.

Being practical, the most pentodes I like to use per channel are 4 and to keep the power rating between 100 & 200 watts per side for big amps. Using any more is asking for trouble for various reasons:
1) Tubes can age at different rates
2) Heat generation
3) Cost of tubes
4) Higher probability of circuit failure due to electrical failures in regards to multiple connections.

A high power push-pull 572B amp can use as few as two tubes per side and provide 500 watts. There are other tubes as well that would be interesting to try such as the Russian GI-7B and variations of that tube.
This GI-7B is really low priced, just 11 euros/each:
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=gi7B
I wonder how it would sound like??
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: cab on 26 Aug 2012, 01:50 pm
Let me try again...Any idea what the btu/hr output is with these?
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: cab on 26 Aug 2012, 05:33 pm
Does it really take 15 hours to approve a post?
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 30 Aug 2012, 11:18 am
Sorry- I haven't been on much lately.

Does it really take 15 hours to approve a post?
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 30 Aug 2012, 11:25 am
I never measured the BTU rating of a large tube amp- but it is significant! I have a Henry 2KD that uses two 3-500Z's for 1.5KW+  out and it runs HOT! The tubes have glass chimneys around them and a hefty blower that pressurizes the lower RF deck & pushes air through the sockets. My estimate on this 90lb monster is about 900BTU's during heavy use.

Using a pair of 572B's per channel in Class AB1 for audio will dish out allot of heat. It would be beneficial to make such an amp in a pressurized enclosure to enhance tube life and the owner's life since the anode voltage would be around 2KV.

Let me try again...Any idea what the btu/hr output is with these?
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 30 Aug 2012, 10:00 pm
I never measured the BTU rating of a large tube amp- but it is significant! I have a Henry 2KD that uses two 3-500Z's for 1.5KW+  out and it runs HOT! The tubes have glass chimneys around them and a hefty blower that pressurizes the lower RF deck & pushes air through the sockets. My estimate on this 90lb monster is about 900BTU's during heavy use.

Using a pair of 572B's per channel in Class AB1 for audio will dish out allot of heat. It would be beneficial to make such an amp in a pressurized enclosure to enhance tube life and the owner's life since the anode voltage would be around 2KV.
Could you inform anything about the 572 line sound quality??
Thanks
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 31 Aug 2012, 04:54 pm
The tube itself will not define the sound quality as much as the power supply, driver stage and output transformer. People are used to seeing big bottle tubes in single ended configurations with relatively low plate voltages. I believe a truer response can be obtained by going push-pull and hiking up the B+. (Among other things!)

In a 'standard' configuration, the 572 will be much like  a 829B or others like that.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 1 Sep 2012, 06:50 am
What do you think on this GMI-11 tetrode??
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=gmi11
B+ range from 1200 to 2000V, the glass botle is impressive strong to fly on Sukhoi SU-27 and MIG-29 radars.
A hi quality socket is cheap and plenty avaliable on Russian sites, different from the GM70 socket, which is expensive(Teflon) or unreliable.
Some data:
Oxide cathode indirectly heated.
Heater voltaqe:      range 23-28 Volts 
Heater current:      1.75-2.00 Amps     
Anode voltaqe:      1200-2000 Volts   
Anode dissipation 350W CW & 500W SSB
2nd Grid voltaqe:      250-350 Volts   
1st Grid cut-off voltaqe:    -50 -70 Volts   
1st Grid dissipation:    1.5 W   
2nd Grid dissipation:    8 W   
Capacitance Grounded Cathode connection:
Input:          55 pF
Output:       7.5 pF
Transfer:    <1.0 pF
To start it seems easy than the 833A(2500 - 4000V) and the GMI-11 life expectancy is 25 years in radar or Ham Radio applications.
If its sound is good(Kinkless Tetrode etc) this tube may be a new 6C33...

P.S.: Also there is the exotic looking tetrodes GMI-83(metal plate) & GMI-83V(seems a gray graphite plate).
http://www.gstube.com/catalog/?key=gmi83

Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: cab on 1 Sep 2012, 12:48 pm
I never measured the BTU rating of a large tube amp- but it is significant! I have a Henry 2KD that uses two 3-500Z's for 1.5KW+  out and it runs HOT! The tubes have glass chimneys around them and a hefty blower that pressurizes the lower RF deck & pushes air through the sockets. My estimate on this 90lb monster is about 900BTU's during heavy use.

Using a pair of 572B's per channel in Class AB1 for audio will dish out allot of heat. It would be beneficial to make such an amp in a pressurized enclosure to enhance tube life and the owner's life since the anode voltage would be around 2KV.

Wow....can understand why people look for a different solution for summers. Thanks for the reply.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 1 Sep 2012, 10:43 pm
Here is a english datasheet from the GI-7B, the T version is tropical, for hot areas:

http://www.qro-parts.com/images/pdf_files/GI7BT.pdf
Seems it is a very reliable Triode, and it even not use socket, the supply and signal wiring must be solded direct in the tube metal body.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 2 Sep 2012, 11:30 am
There are plenty of reliable good large triodes out there.  I haven't made a tube AF amp with RF tubes yet but have made RF amps with RF tubes. I don't believe there is a strong market for them due to how expensive they are. It's a different story with RF because there are typically only power transformers and a switched tank circuit.  Tanks circuits are relatively inexpensive, even in the KW range.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 2 Sep 2012, 11:38 am
I'd rather use a tube socket. Interesting fact: The GI-7B is used in grounded-grid configuration 99% of the time. The 'fingers' which hold the tube in rest on the grid contact (a circle of metal) and go directly to ground through the chassis. Grounded grid configurations like this are always cathode biased.

For audio: The socket could be insulated from the chassis then it could be grid biased and modulated.

I would most likely use 572B's for my first attempt at a push-pull high power amp. 


Here is a english datasheet from the GI-7B, the T version is tropical, for hot areas:

http://www.qro-parts.com/images/pdf_files/GI7BT.pdf
Seems it is a very reliable Triode, and it even not use socket, the supply and signal wiring must be solded direct in the tube metal body.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: SteveFord on 2 Sep 2012, 12:27 pm
I'm not sure if these have entered production yet or not but here's the new 900W monoblocks from Bob Carver.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=67121)
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Guy 13 on 2 Sep 2012, 01:42 pm
I'm not sure if these have entered production yet or not but here's the new 900W monoblocks from Bob Carver.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=67121)
[/quote

Hi Steve and all Audio Circle members.
Have a look at Bob Carver's website. (Link below)

http://bobcarver.com/default.asp]

Guy 13
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 2 Sep 2012, 10:28 pm
I'd rather use a tube socket. Interesting fact: The GI-7B is used in grounded-grid configuration 99% of the time. The 'fingers' which hold the tube in rest on the grid contact (a circle of metal) and go directly to ground through the chassis. Grounded grid configurations like this are always cathode biased.

For audio: The socket could be insulated from the chassis then it could be grid biased and modulated.

I would most likely use 572B's for my first attempt at a push-pull high power amp.
Cathode biased is bad?? or something unsual?

The Russian QRO site suggest use the GI-7B without socket, the socket creates interferences, a bare wire connection can be seen in the ham radio video:
http://qro-parts.com/product_info.php?products_id=94
These are coaxial microwave tubes are capable to generate on VHF. Any spurious capacitances, inductances and resistances imported Socket can cause it. Russian electronic industry interposed these tubes directly into devices. And it was the best solution!
The english text above is some clumsy, but I undestand the socket is not recommended.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=67159)
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: jostber on 3 Sep 2012, 11:03 am
I'm not sure if these have entered production yet or not but here's the new 900W monoblocks from Bob Carver.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=67121)

They seem to be coming later this year:

http://www.avguide.com/blog/axpona-jacksonville-part-three

Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: steve f on 3 Sep 2012, 01:38 pm
Building humongous tube amps seems crazy, at least to me.  There just isn't any real life application for them. If you own a speaker that requires really large amounts of power, something is really flawed in its design. Use smaller amps in multiple with dedicated crossovers. Solid state amps, either dual differential AB or perhaps ICE D units, can be used on woofers, saving tubes for the mid and high frequencies. I guess I don't appreciate being so wasteful of expensive tubes.

The new Carver is basically a design exercise. Bob is a brilliant guy, with a bit of PT Barnum showmanship thrown in. I would like to know what the heck his 'restorer' circuit is though.

Steve
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: jostber on 3 Sep 2012, 02:40 pm
Building humongous tube amps seems crazy, at least to me.  There just isn't any real life application for them. If you own a speaker that requires really large amounts of power, something is really flawed in its design. Use smaller amps in multiple with dedicated crossovers. Solid state amps, either dual differential AB or perhaps ICE D units, can be used on woofers, saving tubes for the mid and high frequencies. I guess I don't appreciate being so wasteful of expensive tubes.

The new Carver is basically a design exercise. Bob is a brilliant guy, with a bit of PT Barnum showmanship thrown in. I would like to know what the heck his 'restorer' circuit is though.

Steve

There is a description of the restorer circuit in post #4 here:

http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/showthread.php?7106-quot-NOS-quot-Vintage-amp-by-Bob-Carver-Tim-Paravicini

Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 3 Sep 2012, 10:42 pm
Building humongous tube amps seems crazy, at least to me.  There just isn't any real life application for them. If you own a speaker that requires really large amounts of power, something is really flawed in its design. Use smaller amps in multiple with dedicated crossovers. Solid state amps, either dual differential AB or perhaps ICE D units, can be used on woofers, saving tubes for the mid and high frequencies. I guess I don't appreciate being so wasteful of expensive tubes.

The new Carver is basically a design exercise. Bob is a brilliant guy, with a bit of PT Barnum showmanship thrown in. I would like to know what the heck his 'restorer' circuit is though.

Steve
Quote: There just isn't any real life application for them.
It must be to pair with the new $22,000 Carver Amazing speakers... :duh:
My cost only $2,400 in 1992 and is a Dipole, what this new Amazing are not.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 4 Sep 2012, 11:11 am
The ideal sensitivity for a speaker IMO is around 92db.  I have some between 87 and 100 and use the ones that are at least 90db.

What do I consider the ideal amplifier wattage? When you're working with a wide range of people and interests,  it is best to suggest an amplifier that is at least 40 watts per channel as long as the speakers are around 90db efficient.  I have had people with 100db speakers request higher wattage. We're talking the desire for some serious slam! Wattage DOES play a role in performance. Wattage can be considered a measure of an amplifier's ability to maintain high resolution under difficult conditions: High volumes, complex passages, etc... When an amp falls behind due to inadequate wattage, they sound muddy and inarticulate. Clipping can set in too. 

It has been my experience that people who honestly know what they want will purchase lower wattage amps.  A reminder: Low watt amps and high watt models can cost about the same amount of money.

Building humongous tube amps seems crazy, at least to me.  There just isn't any real life application for them. If you own a speaker that requires really large amounts of power, something is really flawed in its design. Use smaller amps in multiple with dedicated crossovers. Solid state amps, either dual differential AB or perhaps ICE D units, can be used on woofers, saving tubes for the mid and high frequencies. I guess I don't appreciate being so wasteful of expensive tubes.

The new Carver is basically a design exercise. Bob is a brilliant guy, with a bit of PT Barnum showmanship thrown in. I would like to know what the heck his 'restorer' circuit is though.

Steve
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Niteshade on 4 Sep 2012, 11:21 am
Tubes should be used in sockets unless they have wires that come right out of the glass. Soldering to tube pins has always turned me off and I won't do it.

Sockets only create interference if they're not made properly, are dirty or if there is a bad mechanical connection.

Cathode biased is bad?? or something unsual?

The Russian QRO site suggest use the GI-7B without socket, the socket creates interferences, a bare wire connection can be seen in the ham radio video:
http://qro-parts.com/product_info.php?products_id=94
These are coaxial microwave tubes are capable to generate on VHF. Any spurious capacitances, inductances and resistances imported Socket can cause it. Russian electronic industry interposed these tubes directly into devices. And it was the best solution!
The english text above is some clumsy, but I undestand the socket is not recommended.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=67159)
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: SteveFord on 4 Sep 2012, 01:51 pm
Fullrangeman,
From ears I trust the new Amazing speakers are in an entirely different league than the old planars.
Too rich for my blood, though.

I wouldn't buy an amp with soldered-in tubes.  What a PITA if one pops or if you want to engage in some recreational tube rolling.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Sep 2012, 02:18 am
Solder the leads to a new tube is annoying indeed, but this GI-7B Triode should last a long time, the plate can handle 350W in micro-wave range, then in audio frequency must withstand a 200W as maximum, so using it with 100W plate dissipation, it may delivery around 30 healthy W and last forever.

Really strange that this new ''Amazing'' are using lots of the Carver small ribbon tweeter and Gilmore Audio continues using the wonderful Carver planar fullrange driver in glorious 60 inches... I do not understand this move of Bob.
Gilmore even cut the price +50% for the big Model 2, from $12,950/pair to now $6,000/pair.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: dB Cooper on 5 Sep 2012, 02:31 am
I guess tube rolling won't be happening much with those amps, with 40 output tubes to replace in a stereo pair. Wonder what THAT costs. As they say, since I have to ask, you know I can't afford it  :duh:
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Guy 13 on 5 Sep 2012, 06:50 am
I guess tube rolling won't be happening much with those amps, with 40 output tubes to replace in a stereo pair. Wonder what THAT costs. As they say, since I have to ask, you know I can't afford it  :duh:

Hi Cooper and all Audio Circle members.

Have you noticed that many hi-end audio web sites,
never mention the prices for their equipment.

Therefore what you said is correct:

If you have to ask, that means you cannot afford it.

I was onced in Texas
and a golf course rule,
was that if you ask how much a membership cost,
that means you can't afford it.

That same golf course, require a blank cheque from the new members.

Some one that knew the golf course requirements,
told me that an annual membership,
was more than 500,000 USD
and that was 30 years ago.

Guy 13
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: JohnR on 5 Sep 2012, 01:45 pm
Completely irrelevant, but when I think about how much the land used for some of the golf courses around here must be worth - it wouldn't surprise me.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: steve f on 5 Sep 2012, 10:51 pm

Quote
Solder the leads to a new tube is annoying indeed, but this GI-7B Triode should last a long time, the plate can handle 350W in micro-wave range, then in audio frequency must withstand a 200W as maximum, so using it with 100W plate dissipation, it may delivery around 30 healthy W and last forever.

Really strange that this new ''Amazing'' are using lots of the Carver small ribbon tweeter and Gilmore Audio continues using the wonderful Carver planar fullrange driver in glorious 60 inches... I do not understand this move of Bob.
Gilmore even cut the price +50% for the big Model 2, from $12,950/pair to now $6,000/pair.

The new driver group can handle a lot more power. The tweeter isn't a ribbon, but a planar magnetic made by HiVi. Carver says he is the original designer, and I'll take his word on that one. I've been using that same tweeter for years. I once used a group of four with Eminence mid-woofers and a 6DB crossover. I also remember trying a 24DB acoustic crossover, but it didn't blend as well. A LOUDspeaker any amp could drive. Carver's flock of  mini-woofers probably sound very nice. You would need a pair of subs, but I'm sure he has a couple of deluxe models ready to go.

Steve
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Sep 2012, 11:05 pm


The new driver group can handle a lot more power. The tweeter isn't a ribbon, but a planar magnetic made by HiVi. Carver says he is the original designer, and I'll take his word on that one. I've been using that same tweeter for years. I once used a group of four with Eminence mid-woofers and a 6DB crossover. I also remember trying a 24DB acoustic crossover, but it didn't blend as well. A LOUDspeaker any amp could drive. Carver's flock of  mini-woofers probably sound very nice. You would need a pair of subs, but I'm sure he has a couple of deluxe models ready to go.

Steve
The sesitivity of these new Amazing are now more tube friendly with 96dB, my model is 89dB, but minimum power was 200W for a small room, the manual state minimum 30W which make almost no sound.
The mini woofers side facing is a great solution, that I used years ago, it create a superb sound stage.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: steve f on 5 Sep 2012, 11:13 pm
Yep, nothing new under the sun. The speaker looks good though. Well except for those feet!

Steve
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Sep 2012, 11:19 pm
Quote: Have you noticed that many hi-end audio web sites, never mention the prices for their equipment.
Guy,
For factories that had dealers this is a bit usual, but for factories that sells direct this is strange indeed, but what annoys me most are the manufacturers that do not inform the data sheet of technical equipment.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Guy 13 on 5 Sep 2012, 11:43 pm
Quote: Have you noticed that many hi-end audio web sites, never mention the prices for their equipment.
Guy,
For factories that had dealers this is a bit usual, but for factories that sells direct this is strange indeed, but what annoys me most are the manufacturers that do not inform the data sheet of technical equipment.

Hi FULLRANGEMAN and all Audio CIrcle members.

The lack of technical information and prices on those hi-end websites
might be a marketting strategy to make you contact them to get the missing information and once they get your coordonates,
then, then can get back to you to push you to buy.

Maybe I'm wrong,
but I still think there is something correct about that.
 Most of the time, when I cannot find the information I am looking for,
I switch to another supplier, unless that product is exceptional.

Guy 13
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Guy 13 on 5 Sep 2012, 11:48 pm
I'm not sure if these have entered production yet or not but here's the new 900W monoblocks from Bob Carver.

(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=67121)

Hi Steve and all Audio Circle members.

WOW ! Holy smoke !

With 900 watts of heat,
first you need a dedicated electrical outlet
and all that power is enough heat to heat up
a large living room during the cold month of January in Canada.

I guess if you can afford such an expensive amplifier,
you don't have to worry about your electrical bill.

Guy 13
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 5 Sep 2012, 11:52 pm
From what I have seen, lack of tech info is for hide poor specifications.
If a tube amp site not show underside images, the amp do not use hand wiring, it use PCB for mass production.
But Lack of price info is understandable.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: srb on 6 Sep 2012, 12:56 am
If a tube amp site not show underside images, the amp do not use hand wiring, it use PCB for mass production.

Not necessarily.  I have seen hand wired tube amps with messy looking wiring, sloppy solder joints, wires passing through tight clearance drilled holes without grommets and cheap capacitors.  If that were my mess, I wouldn't want to show photos of it either.
 
Steve
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 6 Sep 2012, 01:09 am

Not necessarily.  I have seen hand wired tube amps with messy looking wiring, sloppy solder joints, wires passing through tight clearance drilled holes without grommets and cheap capacitors.  If that were my mess, I wouldn't want to show photos of it either.
 
Steve
I also have see it.
Other reason I reject PCB amps is the circuit is the same forever, the PCB prevent any change it the circuit.
With a hand wiring amp the circuit or parts can be modified. :thumb:
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: reini on 30 Jan 2015, 07:08 pm
Hi folks,
I´m in Germany and an experienced builder of Super Power amps. These are my personal champions:

300W using 8*6159, 2*ECC99,1*12AY7
http://www.stadtbahnfreund-h.de/misc/pa300_new1.jpg

appr. 1000W using 6*715B by made by Western Electric, 3*5998, 1*5687,2*12AU7
http://www.stadtbahnfreund-h.de/misc/impact800.jpg

appr. 2000W using 4*GU81, 6*6CA7,5687
http://www.stadtbahnfreund-h.de/misc/gu81-2kw.jpg
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 6 Feb 2015, 09:15 pm
Wow impressive amps.
In what application you use these amps?
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: JoshK on 6 Feb 2015, 10:27 pm
I think the problem with high non-OTL tube powered amps is the output transformer.   Pretty hard to find that large of OPT that doesn't have tons of parasitics leading to rolled off highs.  A whole lot easier to make a OPT for 50-100w then 500w.   There are companies like McIntosh that do a whole lot of trickery to get around such issues, but that gets complicated and those special transformers are going to be quite expensive in small quantities.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: JoshK on 6 Feb 2015, 10:29 pm
I also completely agree with Niteshade's preference for 2 or maybe 4 output tubes rather than lots of paralleled tubes.  Parallel tubes introduces a whole lot of complexity and expensive in maintenance.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: Freo-1 on 6 Feb 2015, 10:37 pm
I think the problem with high non-OTL tube powered amps is the output transformer.   Pretty hard to find that large of OPT that doesn't have tons of parasitics leading to rolled off highs.  A whole lot easier to make a OPT for 50-100w then 500w.   There are companies like McIntosh that do a whole lot of trickery to get around such issues, but that gets complicated and those special transformers are going to be quite expensive in small quantities.

Yes, but wouldn't you just love to own a pair of these..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC3500-tube-amp-amplifier-pair-MINTY-s-11N18-11N19-orig-boxes-/181657369897?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4b9f7d29 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/McIntosh-MC3500-tube-amp-amplifier-pair-MINTY-s-11N18-11N19-orig-boxes-/181657369897?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a4b9f7d29)
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: finsup on 6 Feb 2015, 11:21 pm
How's Blair doing anyway?  Has anyone heard from him?
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: reini on 24 Feb 2015, 07:19 pm
Wow impressive amps.
In what application you use these amps?
No. 1 is for musicians, a vocal PA Amp with good smooth but mighty sound for voices. The SE130 double core makes 25hz at 300watts. The 6159 tubes work at 680volts
No. 2 is designed for bass at 1000watts power but in real life the 715B pulse tubes with feedbacked drivers (to reduce distorsion) seemed to be a little slow, therefore the musicians used it as a vocal amp for gigs in big halls.
No3 is a 2KW output amp for measurements eg. to test high voltage transformers (up to 100kV) used in laser applications. It was build to order because the owner experienced lots of problems testing these transformers using solid state amps.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: FullRangeMan on 24 Feb 2015, 08:37 pm
Really fascinanting  :thumb:
I unaware there people using tubes amps in PA.
Thanks for inform.
Title: Re: What is the most powerful tube amplifier available today ?
Post by: PLATINUM on 26 Mar 2019, 12:07 am
@reini
I am very interested in the amps you build. Please contact me