folks like tube audio amps not because they are cleaner but because they can
be made to be dirty--performers (elec. guitar players) like the distortion
produced by audio tube amps that have high plate v.
as for RF, i just don't think you can generalize. all new AM and FM
broadcast tx are s.s. these days. otoh, for hams, the cleanest two tone
xmas tree plot i have ever seen was from a command HF2500 in a qst review.
i am convinced a major factor in its exceptionally low products was the use
of 3cx800s, i.e. triodes. this is one of the reasons why i like the
Centurion, and other 3-500 grounded grid, cathode driven designs. the
first titan used 3cx800s also. hams balk at buying these amps (the 3cx800
ones) because of the cost of the tubes. to me it is worth it, and those
tubes will last forever anyway if you know how to run an amp. pair of
3-500s is a lot less, $250 or so. either way, the c.d. g.g. design delivers
a cleaner sig and i know guys who have amps running since the 1970s who
have never retubed. it's not a major expense.
rob / k5uj
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