Donald North
Member of the Trade: Donald North Audio and Riva Audio
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Looking at the ASL's schematic included in the manual, the transformer output also goes the OTL's output coupling capacitor.
Originally Posted by Donald North /img/forum/go_quote.gif There have been hi-fi amplifiers of this design, but I don't know of a commercial tube OTL/OCL headphone amp. |
Originally Posted by cswann1 /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you are using a 300ohm Sennheiser, the WA2 would be a good choice. If you want to drive a 25ohm Denon the WA6 is the way to go. |
Originally Posted by Donald North /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is because OTL amps are usually capacitor coupled on the output. OCL means output capacitorless. To do this with tubes, you need split rail power supplies and/or servos. There have been hi-fi amplifiers of this design, but I don't know of a commercial tube OTL/OCL headphone amp. |
Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Is your amp the ASL OTL Mk III? If so, it has BOTH an OTL mode *and* a Transformer-coupled mode. If you haven't tried it yet with the HD800's, you might try it before buying a new amp. With a nice set of tubes, the ASL amp sounds pretty darned good, and the availability of the 2 modes can be quite handy. |
Originally Posted by Donald North /img/forum/go_quote.gif Looking at the ASL's schematic included in the manual, the transformer output also goes the OTL's output coupling capacitor. |
Originally Posted by Skylab /img/forum/go_quote.gif Well, in that case, definitely try the HD800's with the ASL before you decide you need an upgrade. Those are nice tubes, although the Tele 12AX7 might not be the best match with the HD800 - you might want to look for a pair of Mullard CV4004's or some Amperex (Holland) ECC83's which will be a little friendlier with the HD800's treble than the Telefunken. But with the parts upgraded especially, you might be surprised that the ASL may deliver great sound with the HD800's. |
Love this idea.Quote:
Originally Posted by Denys /img/forum/go_quote.gif
I already own an Antique Sound Lab OTL headphone amp...
Is your amp the ASL OTL Mk III? If so, it has BOTH an OTL mode *and* a Transformer-coupled mode. If you haven't tried it yet with the HD800's, you might try it before buying a new amp. With a nice set of tubes, the ASL amp sounds pretty darned good, and the availability of the 2 modes can be quite handy.