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Hi,

Thanks for the info about transformers.  It is as I expected, however, that these passive devices are not passive sonically at all. I agree with you that the higher quality of the transformers should lessen the effects I noted (if not eliminate them) but the same can be said for active preamps as well. 

It sounds as if we are not so far apart on what we want from a system.  Having heard some really great SET and Push-Pull triode Class A amps I can honestly say that I felt this Einstein system to have better dynamics and dynamic shading and more correct overall tone than amps I have heard using output transformers.  I think the output transformer is far from transparent and perhaps it is a coloration that you are used to and like very much?  I have daily exposure to the real thing (my girlfriend is a professional violinist who currently plays a stradivarius) and to me the OTL gets that character of live more correct, whereas even the best SETs I think now this bit of warmth that is usually present is due to output transformers (as well as a sense of slowing the pace a bit...but only a bit in the best amps).  Just like the passive preamp transformers have their sound character (ie. copper vs. silver, nickel vs. steel)  I would imagine the character of the output transformer is even greater (much more wire involved and bigger magnetic fluxes). 

Perhaps you are reacting to the fact that these amps are not SETs but push pull? 

I think if you have a very high sensitivity speaker with high impedance and can get away with 10 watts or less then a truly single ended OTL would be the way to go.   String up 8 6c33C tubes in parallel gives you 10 ohms output impedance and probably enough power (about 14 watts).  If you hook them up as a cathode follower maybe a little bit better.  I know that Transcendent Sound makes a SE OTL amp using the 6c19pi tube but he also uses a ton of feedback to bring down the output impedance.  I would rather use a more suitable tube and try to get away with no feedback or minimal if possible.  Have you heard such an amp before?  I have not but would be intensely curious about the sound.

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