Field Coil Speakers @ 16 Ohms for OTL

[audioquest4life]

I heard John's tube-based power supply when I auditioned his T-1.5 speakers at his house. He claimed much better performance with the tube power supplies than solid state bench supplies, but I only heard the tube power supplies. He was running hot-rodded Novacron amps. The system played the best I've ever heard "So What" especially Coltrane and Adderly on sax. Realistic drums and cymbal dynamics. Also an annoying level of hum and a right-shifted stereo image which John was unable to fix when I was there.

Hmmm, no pun intended, LOL….was the hum just isolated to the power supply or was the hum heard coming through the speakers? I hear toroidal transformer hum coming from the stock power supplies. Used a Ebtech HumX ac filter, Shunyata Sigma VR 2 power cables, and IsoAcoustics Orea vibration feet. Hum noise is still present but somewhat diminished. You no longer can hear the hum when the music starts, even at low volume. It’s irritating when no music is on because I know it is there, albeit, now at a lower level.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

Hum Noise? Right shifted S

I heard John's tube-based power supply when I auditioned his T-1.5 speakers at his house. He claimed much better performance with the tube power supplies than solid state bench supplies, but I only heard the tube power supplies. He was running hot-rodded Novacron amps. The system played the best I've ever heard "So What" especially Coltrane and Adderly on sax. Realistic drums and cymbal dynamics. Also an annoying level of hum and a right-shifted stereo image which John was unable to fix

Hum Noise and Sound stage shifted sounds like a Bad Tube on the Amplifier or the Pre-amp. Most likely its a tube issue on the pre-amp from my experience, however a bad tube on the amp can also cause the same problem.

I have no Noise from my Line Magnetic Power supply that was customised for Classic Audio Speakers. its Dead Quiet on both the 105db LM-03 Speakers and the Classic Audio Loudspeakers, I have a set of 4 Power supplies.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

Iv tried a bunch of Different Power Supplies, I also got custom ones made in the UK and China, Then I shifted to Tube Power supplies and never looked back to SS Power supplies again its a no contest SS vs Tubes.,

Every single type of music just sounded better on the Tube Power supply. Lower Fatigue levels, bigger soundstage and the amazing thing is you don't lose any definition in the bass or its visceral energy. It could be my mind playing with me but the emotional connection to the musical piece you listening to just seems to be present with tube power supply!

 

[Phantom-Audio]

What Atma-sphere amps have you used with the T1.5s? Is 60 watts enough for a 30 x 18 x 8 sized room with T1.5s? If I were to try out any Atma-sphere amp with my T1.5s, I would be inclined to use them with either the Novacron or MA-1 due to their higher output in watts. Have you ever tried any Air Tight SET amps?

The T.15s are rated at 16 ohms, so power output should increase into 16ohms relative to the 8ohm output ratin

All of Atma-Sphere Amplifiers:

S30
M60
MA1
MA2
Novacron

my Reference is the Nirvana Amplifier from Atma but this is a custom build amp and never advertised online.

To my Ears best In order:


Nirvana
Novacron
MA1 or MA2
M60
S30


I think a min of 60 watts should be used, you should keep headroom available even if the speakers don't need it. It just feels more relaxed overall with more power reserve.

 

[audioquest4life]

All of Atma-Sphere Amplifiers:

S30
M60
MA1
MA2
Novacron

my Reference is the Nirvana Amplifier from Atma but this is a custom build amp and never advertised online.

To my Ears best In order:


Nirvana
Novacron
MA1 or MA2
M60
S30


I think a min of 60 watts should be used, you should keep headroom available even if the speakers don't need it. It just feels more relaxed overall with more power reserve.

I am using McIntosh MC2301 300 watt tube amps. The combination is glorious. The amps never get warm either. Obviously, I do not use the max wattage, but, as you stated, 60 watts is great. In jam session mode, my watt meters hover between 30-100 watts (Peaks). Low level 3-10 watts.

 

[Salectric]

I am pleased to hear John Wulf is now using tube power supplies for his field coils. I have heard Classics at a number of CAF shows and John always used regulated SS supplies which left me wondering how much better the speakers could sound with a good Tungar supply.

 

[DetroitVinylRob]

I heard John's tube-based power supply when I auditioned his T-1.5 speakers at his house. He claimed much better performance with the tube power supplies than solid state bench supplies, but I only heard the tube power supplies. He was running hot-rodded Novacron amps. The system played the best I've ever heard "So What" especially Coltrane and Adderly on sax. Realistic drums and cymbal dynamics. Also an annoying level of hum and a right-shifted stereo image which John was unable to fix when I was there.

That’s cool, but a little concerning. Perhaps it was some aspect of kit setup and not the FC PS at all. John needs to provide an A/B imho. I’m obviously fascinated by the prospect as I have heard so many valve based PS in other applications that prove to be very reliable, noise free, and most of all sound quite lovely.

 

[ACHiPo]

Hmmm, no pun intended, LOL….was the hum just isolated to the power supply or was the hum heard coming through the speakers? I hear toroidal transformer hum coming from the stock power supplies. Used a Ebtech HumX ac filter, Shunyata Sigma VR 2 power cables, and IsoAcoustics Orea vibration feet. Hum noise is still present but somewhat diminished. You no longer can hear the hum when the music starts, even at low volume. It’s irritating when no music is on because I know it is there, albeit, now at a lower level.

The hum was coming from the speakers, but I’m guessing it was hum from the amps, not the tube field coil supplies. The fact that the system sounded so good in spite of the hum and the balance issue is a testament to the speakers I suppose.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

The hum was coming from the speakers, but I’m guessing it was hum from the amps, not the tube field coil supplies. The fact that the system sounded so good in spite of the hum and the balance issue is a testament to the speakers I suppose.

having owned the amps, speakers, pre-amps and field coils power supply as john wolff.

I can attest the issue is either Tube from Pre-amp or Tubes in the Power Amp that is causing the issue and it's a bad tube. it's a simple issue but locating the tube that's gone bad takes some time to isolate.

 

[audioquest4life]

I spoke with John. He is definitely continuing to test the tube power supplies before he makes them widely available. These are his own designs and will be made of exceptional build quality. I plan on attending the Florida Audio Expo where John will have them (tube power supplies) there as well as a pair of Mcintosh MC3500s. T1s and Hartsfield of course Also will be present.

 

[Phantom-Audio]

I spoke with John. He is definitely continuing to test the tube power supplies before he makes them widely available. These are his own designs and will be made of exceptional build quality. I plan on attending the Florida Audio Expo where John will have them (tube power supplies) there as well as a pair of Mcintosh MC3500s. T1s and Hartsfield of course Also will be present.

John used his new Tube power supply at the recent audio show event, did anyone on this forum get to hear it?

 

[audioquest4life]

John used his new Tube power supply at the recent audio show event, did anyone on this forum get to hear it?

I did…it was amazing. No matter what source, reel to reel or vinyl, the sound from that room was simply amazing. I spent several hours in his room as well as the “after show” party” to listen some more. He mentioned he is still tweaking the power supplies a little, but they are close for prime time.

They look incredible and with the covers off, have a unique tube glow. This new power supply is leagues ahead in quality compared to the standard supplied power supply. Soundwise, well, I did not have an A/B comparison as he only has the new tube power supplies, but they did not disappoint. Hugely satisfying in the sound department and not a hint of hum. I will post pics later today.

He also brought a set of the new McIntosh MC3500 along with his Atmasphere Novacron OTL amps mated to the Classic Audio Loudspeakers T1.5 reference. To me, the Novacron sounded better and in the large room, 35 x 50, they played loudly effortlessly. Also, I truly believe the older MC2301s sound pretty close to the sound qualities of the Novacrons. The Mc2301 can just abs easily play loud and shake the room with thunderous bass. The MC3500 were new so perhaps it is not fair comparing, but they sounded, well, slightly more solI’d state.

For anyone who Wants to take their Classic Audio Field Coil speakers over the top, this new tube power supply is going to be worth the wait and cost.

 

[adrianywu]

I am on the queue to get the first units of the tube supply when it becomes available. How about the supply of these ancient Tungar tubes ? They have not been made for 50+ years, and nobody is going make them again AFAIK.

 

[audioquest4life]

Here are the pics from the Florida Audio Show with the new Classic Audio Loudspeakers tube power supplies. Awesome sound.

 

[Solypsa]

Nice. What were the source? ( turntable etc )

 

[audioquest4life]

Nice. What where the source? ( turntable etc )

Sources were vinyl and reel to reel.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Would these work?
www.treehausaudiolab.com

 

[Atmasphere]

Would these work?
www.treehausaudiolab.com

Work for what? If you mean the amplifiers, certainly they will play on the CARs, but the CARs are about 98dB so unless you are only playing the system at a moderate leve or in a smaller room, I think you'll find that more power is helpful.

 

[jw5115]

Looking forward to seeing John Wolff and hearing a tube based Tungar alternative power supply. Hope I could audition a pair as his place is just a short drive from mine. The last we spoke it was still in the development stages.

Wonder if Ralph from Atma-Sphere collaborated on this project or if he has listened to the result?

All good news.

Rob: If you would like to try the Tungars, give me a call
jw5115