Low Impedance OTL Amplifier: What is it and How Does it Work?

 


If you're an audio enthusiast, you've probably heard of the Output TransformerLess (OTL) Low Impedance Amplifier. This type of valve audio power amplifier uses an advanced technique to produce a linear and high-fidelity sound output without depending on an output transformer. In this article, we will explore in more detail what a low impedance OTL amplifier is, whether it's possible to create a valve amplifier without an output transformer, and the benefits of this type of amplifier.

 

What is a Low Impedance OTL Amplifier?

 

Conventional valve amplifiers depend on an output transformer to couple the amplifier output stage to the speaker, which can introduce distortions and power loss. However, OTL amplifiers eliminate these problems by using one of two main methods for output stage coupling.

 

The first method is direct coupling (DC), which involves the direct connection of the amplifier output stage to the speaker without using a transformer. This is possible thanks to the use of high-power vacuum tubes and specialized circuit topology, allowing the amplifier to produce a low-impedance output that can be directly connected to the speaker.

 

The second method is capacitive coupling (AC), which involves the use of a coupling capacitor to connect the amplifier output stage to the speaker. This allows the amplifier to produce a high-impedance output, which is then transformed into a low-impedance output by a capacitive coupling circuit.

 

In both methods, the OTL amplifier offers a significant advantage over conventional output transformer amplifiers, including greater linearity, lower harmonic distortion, wider frequency response, and higher output power. As a result, OTL amplifiers are widely used in high-fidelity audio applications such as audiophile sound systems, recording studios, and surround sound theaters.

 

Is it Possible to Create a Valve Amplifier Without an Output Transformer?

 

Yes, it is possible to create a valve amplifier that does not use an output transformer, although this is not a popular idea among valve amplifier designers. This is because tubes are high voltage and low current devices, while speakers are low voltage and high current devices. This impedance mismatch prevents easy energy transfer from the tube to the speaker and results in a significant waste of energy.

 

Electric power is determined by voltage and current, and the product of the two determines the power in watts. A vacuum tube operates at lower current but very high voltage, while a speaker is a device that operates at lower voltage but higher current.

 

These links provide additional information about OTL amplifiers and may be helpful for those wishing to deepen their knowledge on the subject.

http://www.audiodesignguide.com/otl/aria.html?fbclid=IwAR0PXOmy1gLC2s8sRBDQozPoya3YGp_yDvpxIHizRBzIWEYC3oUQlpfSUBY

http://power-and-tube.blogspot.com/

https://www.tubecad.com/2010/12/blog0195.htm

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