Best tubes for AMT's?

[JohnnyAudio]

So we have AMT's by ESS and Dayton...

What tube type is most complimentary for AMT's?

I use KT 88 for ESS AMT's

I have not tried these tubes yet...

EL34/ KT77

EL84

KT 66

6550

300B

I am looking to slightly dampen the edge of AMT's

 

[Doodski]

Have you tried PEQ?

 

[JohnnyAudio]

Have you tried PEQ?

Yes, I use a DBX234, but still the sound of AMT's is wonderful but I wouldn't call it silky.

 

[Doodski]

DBX234

That is a crossover. Does it have PEQ in DSP software etc?

 

[JohnnyAudio]

That is a crossover. Does it have PEQ in DSP software etc?

No PEQ in the DBX, I don't use DSP.
Maybe I could try an analog PEQ....

 

[Ktacos]

Is the goal here to accomplish this task in the most expensive/difficult way possible?

 

[Ken1951]

Is the goal here to accomplish this task in the most expensive/difficult way possible?

Seems that's the case. Sort of a troublesome way to adjust the FR, at least to my thinking. Back when they first came on the market the company I worked for carried them and we tried to steer customers away from B&O cartridges if they wanted them. Big showroom didn't use that cartridge for that and other reasons. These days it seems that EQ by DSP seems to make more sense.

 

[CapMan]

Oh goodie another tube thread

 

[DVDdoug]

EQ or a different speaker/tweeter seems like the better solution if you don't like the sound.

Different speakers (or EQ) always sound's different. Most amplifiers sound the same. All GOOD amplifiers sound the same, with flat frequency response and no audible noise or distortion (unless over-driven into clipping/distortion).

Some tube amps aren't so good and their output-impedance can interact with speaker impedance to alter the frequency response.

As far as I know, AMTs don't have "weird" impedance characteristics, except perhaps they are less inductive than a regular tweeter.

So I'd EXPECT a tube (or solid state) amplifier to work the same with either one.

A GOOD tube amp should sound exactly like a solid state amplifier anyway (just amplification with no sound of it's own). And different tubes shouldn't make any difference as long as they are "approved" replacements. Of course the wrong tube can foul-up the sound.

 

[Doodski]

@JohnnyAudio where this thread is heading is us suggesting that you use PEQ and then you can have any sound you want and not mess with tubes for tone control. A PC as a source or a DSP unit with PEQ would be the best solution.

 

[JohnnyAudio]

@JohnnyAudio where this thread is heading is us suggesting that you use PEQ and then you can have any sound you want and not mess with tubes for tone control. A PC as a source or a DSP unit with PEQ would be the best solution.

Ok, I'll try that approach.
Thanks.

 

[Doodski]

Ok, I'll try that approach.
Thanks.

If you can give us a rundown on your system we have some peeps here that are extremely knowledgeable on the topic and could recommend gear and approaches for your needs.

 

[dfuller]

To be honest - AMTs often have this sandpapery quality to them IME and I'm admittedly not sure quite why. It doesn't sound particularly like something you could solve with EQ usually...

That said, tube rolling is not the move here.

 

[JohnnyAudio]

To be honest - AMTs often have this sandpapery quality to them IME and I'm admittedly not sure quite why. It doesn't sound particularly like something you could solve with EQ usually...

That said, tube rolling is not the move here.

Mr Fuller,
I think you just described what I'm hearing "sandpapery quality".
This will never go away no matter how many tubes I roll at it...
so, perhaps a complete redesign of AMT is what is needed.

 

[CapMan]

Can't beat a bit of sandpaper in a speaker

 

[Doodski]

Maybe a change of speakers is in order? While doing that get PEQ setup too for a double whammy improvement.

 

[Jon L]

@JohnnyAudio where this thread is heading is us suggesting that you use PEQ and then you can have any sound you want and not mess with tubes for tone control. A PC as a source or a DSP unit with PEQ would be the best solution.

I use a PC with PEQ with my AMT, but I wouldn't say PEQ will give you "any sound you want"
Even with PEQ, I use 300B for AMT and class AB solid state for bass.

 

[Doodski]

I use a PC with PEQ with my AMT, but I wouldn't say PEQ will give you "any sound you want"
Even with PEQ, I use 300B for AMT and class AB solid state for bass.

I understand what you mean although PEQ is a major adjustment across the spectrum that is not available otherwise.