Tube Amp channels in Parallel, How bad is it?

Submitted by DustyC on

So the PrimaLuna DiaLogue Seven amps are stereo units run with channels running in parallel at the output taps with a special type of feedback to balance out the channels. So why the big rise in distortion (fig 12, pg 92) at the frequency extremes? If a "normal" stereo tube amp is connected up with the channels run in parallel, how much worse is the distortion? Art didn't seem to mind the DiaLogue's performance, so I wonder if the distortion is more of a "bench issue". I have used tube amps in this fashion and they do sound different in mono vs.

Now on Newsstands: Stereophile, Vol.32 No.12

Now on Newsstands: Stereophile, Vol.32 No.12

Nov 17, 2009

The December 2009 issue of <i>Stereophile</i> is now on newsstands. Our final issue of 2009 includes our annual “<a href="http://www.stereophile.com/features/1208poty/index9.html">Products of the Year</a>” feature. People love this feature. We’re already receiving fun complaints from manufacturers whose products are not <i>pictured</i> in the article, complaints from readers because we only vote on products we’ve actually <i>listened to</i>, complaints from angry moms because we didn’t pick their children to play one of the lead roles in “A Christmas Carol.”

Sam's praise of Erich Kunzel well deserving

Submitted by Jim Tavegia on

What a great piece for Sam to share with us. As to the demise of Telarc, it is sad but a true testiment of our times. The folks at Concord should be ashamed, but are probably not. In an age were quality of recordings is dismissed in favor of MP3 crap, it should come as no surprise the industry turns, dismisses, and ignores those who cared about audio quality. We have lost respect for the music and now a lack of respect for those who did care is bound to follow.

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