New to SET - Help in all areas


I have made the decision to go from high power/high current to a SET system. Like many people here, I have a tendancy to change out components (and now a system concept as a whole). I am coming from Krell FPB 300C going into Wilson Watt/Puppy's with a tubed Calypso preamp. I love this set-up, but alas it is going, going, gone in a move to SET.

I just don't know these components as well, but do understand that system/component matching is even that much more important. I read in various threads that I gain a lot in the midrange and loose in the bass and high frequencies. I also have read (multiple times) that such set-ups do not perform as well with rock, complex, etc. . . music.

Since I am starting from scratch, I am hoping to end up with a system that reduces the impact of loosing out on the complex and rock music (as much as possible) while at the same time still achieving good high freq. performance. I have a REL sub that I can use to support the bottom octaves (should I deem it necessary).

I don't want to give up a good sound stage, with some decent depth, width, height and focus.

What amp and speaker combos can you (based on personal experience and trial and error) recommend most for my goals? I am keen on the Zu Druids, based on a lot of what I have read about them, but am open to other suggestions if they are not limiting in my goals.

I am also open to the different type of SET amps (300B, 45, 845, 2A3, etc. . . ). Finally, if anybody in the midwest has a SET system and wouldn't mind me stopping in, I would greatly appreciate it. I am in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Thanks so much in advance for your advice and recommendations. I know I will get replies as to everybody is different (I know), what's your budget (varies, but it seems like I can get a good system for a couple of thousand, and even less). Room? Not the best, it is about 12 X 14 or something like that. No I don't listen at super high levels. I am hesitant to buy something that I then need to have heavily modified. Yes, I would prefer to buy used. I want to avoid buying components that have known reliability issues. I have owned tubes before (amps and preamps). I AM VERY OPEN (PREFERED) TO AN INTEGRATED AMP!
ckoffend

Showing 1 response by blindjim

Alternatively... and just a Oh, by the way, way, a pair of Thor PA 30 monos and the right tubes in the preamp you own already will open up your speaker choices, and provide you a whole lot of that SET sound.

Paul Marks has gone down the road somewhere now, but the gear he made is very very good, and most reliable. using EL34s like no one else has, the sound is beguiling .... even on VSA VR 4JRs with 89db 6 ohm.

It's one of those sounds you simply do not forget... I haven't and it's been 5 yrs. now. Uncommon looks, superb build, 2 EL34S per, and bias on the fly via on board meters.... and now, as it's no longer a current production item... these great amps are going for way cheap.

Mono blocks, giving SET like sound with some power, and with a tube compliment that doesn't cost your first born to re-tube.

Just a thought. I'd get a pair of them if I could see to bias them.