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"With our single-stage SEA driver, we feed the signal straight into the amplifier section. With the right tubes and parts it works and sounds much like a bona fide SE amp. It has faster transient dynamics, better directness, a transparent unrestrained treble and an overall more natural linear presentation. But the SEA design combines those qualities with the power, control and expanded response extremes of a push/pull output stage. All these qualities rely on precise calculations and the matching of tubes, circuit design and quality transformers and parts.


"As with all things, there are pros and cons. Using the single-ended single-stage input/driver circuit creates less gain and drive than conventional solutions but more than enough when mated to efficient speakers and tubes which are easy to work with such as the EL84/7189/6BQ5 or newer tubes like the 7591/5881. The second drawback because we are driving the amp so directly is the need for a pair of very high-quality 12AX7. Other lower-gain variants such as the 5751 are not recommended. And the last drawback I can think of is that our design relies on really high-quality transformers and parts. That's more of a negative for us as we have to include pricier components but in the end it really is not a problem. Our manufacturing philosophy is to only use high-quality parts for performance and reliability. As with any other high-end amplification, even one small inferior component in the wrong place will reveal itself to your ears. And better output transformers also give you more measurable power very much like the transmission/gearbox on race cars."



Amongst our email exchanges also hid the answer to another question that had me puzzled for weeks. The EL84TT uses two different brands of EL84 for the positive and negative phase of their push-pull output. This I'd never seen done before and it went completely against what I believed was a strict requirement for tightly matched symmetry in both halves of the circuit. The answer was quite simple. It sounded better that way - more fluid, with a more natural midrange and less harshness than a matched pair of JJ EL84 per side produced.


That's why the amplifier is commercialized with one JJ and one EH per side. There's no secret circuit optimization hidden behind this decision. It simply reconfirms one aspect of Triode Lab's design philosophy better than anything else: start with a robust design and solid technical foundation, then let the music dictate your ultimate choices. So much for the extremists on both side of the divide. Objectivism and subjectivism can coexist just fine.


While on the subject of tube rolling, the amplifier normally ships with a generic 5AR4 rectifier but can be upgraded to a NOS Mullard GZ32. The difference is well worth the coin. The Mullard provides richer smoother timbres and much more fluidity. Transitioning from the modern production tube to the Mullard sounded far more organic and simply more real. If my description of the EL84TT is starting to sound very much like a Zu aesthetic replicated in an amplifier, you wouldn't be far off even though the midrange transparency and nimbleness of the EL84TT easily exceeds that of older Zu speakers like my Essence. For that reason I wondered if EL84TT + Essence = too much of a good thing as in, too much upper bass, not enough upper midrange glory. The first part did not really materialize. The combination of EL84TT and Essence had serious slam but no excess that would have overpowered the midrange. On the other hand the lack of upper midrange sparkle telegraphed very strongly over the more resolved Ocellias. For vocal music lovers and violin aficionados I'd stick to matching the Triode Lab integrated to more midrange-informative speakers like Rethm. Unfortunately my review loaner Rethms had long since departed. I could not test my theory but would be ready to bet the combination would be quite stellar


A black hat reviewer would probably have focused on the fact that the EL84TT did not offer the magical treble and holographic upper midrange presence of the Yamamoto, the depth of the FirstWatt or the low-cost/high-value ratio of the Onix SP3. But the simple reality was that listening to the EL84TT didn't have its small weaknesses jump out at me at all. What communicated itself instead was a very balanced amplifier with a detailed transparent midrange that never shouted, with a rich weighty bass, a lively non-flashy treble without any kind of aggression and above all a dynamic and saturated sound that spoke to the heart perhaps a little more than the brain which is how I ultimately like my music spiced.


If you're looking for the deepest insight into a recording, the EL84TT falls short of the very best triode or SIT amps. If you're after saturated tone colors, great dynamics and huge fun factor, the Triode Lab is a winner as long as you pair it with speakers happy on 6 watts and its not quite ruler-flat voicing. If you handle those two requirements, you'll be rewarded with superb musicality and a level of plain fun I so didn't expect from the first entry-level effort of a new start-up in the crowded world of tube amplifiers. I can't think of a better way to acknowledge the simple joy I had listening to music through the EL84TT for the past three months than with a Blue Moon award. After all, pleasure is all this hobby should be about. If you can hear past preconceived notions on EL84 tubes and push/pull circuits, this amplifier perfectly embodies the hedonistic philosophy whilst remaining affordable to most.

 
Triode Lab Ltd website