My understanding on a push/pull amp is you will have two, let's say KT-88, tubes per channel. The 2102 amp I have has four KT-88 tubes per channel.

If you can get 75 watts using two tubes per channel, why does the power only go up to 100 watts using FOUR tubes per channel on the 2102?

Is the amp "detuned" from it's theoretical maximum power?

What are the benefits/drawbacks of four tubes per side? (aside from cost of course)

As an aside, without really spending the time yet to fine tune anything...it seems as though the 2102 has less noise in it than the MC-30's (that I also recently acquired). Either they need to be tweeked a bit or the 2102 has taken a good thing & made it even better. (powering Klipschorns)

:music:

Hey it looks as if you're stumped the akers. My friend has a set of monoblock stromberg carlson with 4 kt88s per side and I was also wondering what the benefit of 2 versus 4 output tubes are. I know they run cool and supposedly put out 200 rms per side. Anybody?

I think you answered your own question, the tubes are run easier in the 2102 resulting in less power, yes, the end result is a better noise figure, longer tube life, less heat, better peak power (headroom), and greater overall reliability. Also read somewhere that this also helps the amp meet the UL standards for temperature rise and hotspots.

The MC2102 typically puts out 120 watts per side even though it is rated at 100.

thanks,
Ron-C

whoo hoo!
Thanks all !

Ron, What does the MC-402 typically put out?

550 watts per channel is typical.

Thanks,
Ron

Whoa!