Push-Pull or Single-Ended?

[utep10]

I was wondering if there was anyone who preferred Push-Pull over single-ended amplification? I know of a few SE diehards but haven't really heard of anyone preferring Push-Pull typography. I know that there are tube amplifiers in these two forms but are there also SS amps in both forms as well?

My Cary SLI-80 is a push/pull and I'm curious how a SE amp will sound on my speakers. I'm more interested in speaker amps but if this spills into headphone amps, so be it.

Thanks for any input.

 

[Voltron]

Not the most technically-minded of audiophiles, but I believe my glorious-sounding McCormack Audio DNA-500 solid state amp is a push-pull topology. You can read about it at McCormackAudio.com or at 6Moons.

 

[tennisets]

I don't have any preference for headphones, but for speakers I usually prefer push-pull. If push-pull is done right I don't think it sacrifices much (if anything) and it tends to improve dynamics, control, and bass extension. I personally built a push-pull 2a3 amplifier, single ended would have been cheaper and power wasn't an issue, but I preferred the push-pull sound. Also push-pull is much more versatile as far as driving different speakers just because of the extra power (though as I said, that did not factor into my decision).

 

[Carl]

My preference is for differential push-pull, but any approach can sound good when done well.

 

[Jon L]

In true head-fi fashion, I say you need good examples of both.

It's so much more difficult and expensive to do push-pull right compared to single-ended. There are tons more parts in a push-pull amp, and then there's the matter of phase-splitting, which can be a bear to get right.

You are a kick-***** amp designer if you can build a heavenly-sounding PP amp, especially at reasonable prices. And yes, I "tend" to prefer the PP sound signature when done right, but I have both...

 

[utep10]

Thanks everyone. For some reason, I thought there would
be more people in favor of SE but at least now I understand
the benefits of push-pull as well.

I found this little explanation here:

http://www.pentalabs.com/audio_help6.html

 

[Jon L]

Quote:

Originally Posted by utep10 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks everyone. For some reason, I thought there would be more people in favor of SE but at least now I understand the benefits of push-pull as well. I found this little explanation here: http://www.pentalabs.com/audio_help6.html

"Beware of some SE amps that are designed entirely "by ear", especially those made by small companies run by audio-guru egomaniacs. The amps made by such firms might NOT do everything well, and might not be the sound you would prefer."

LOLROTF. That's simply hilarious. I wonder who they mean

For a little better explanation of tube matters, try this link:
http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/ar...p/t-16372.html