Not sure if this fits your budget, but I've had exceptional luck for a very long time with Cary 805C's. I've been through a number of speakers with them including Quad ESL-63s, Gallo Ref 3s, Zu Druids, and currently, Harbeth Compact 7s. The Harbeths are by far my favorite. My musical preferences tend toward lots of classic rock and 90's alternative. I've considered updating the Harbeths to HL-5s, but the Compact 7s would be tough to improve. They also fit well with my current room size (10 x 12). I've tried using ultra low powered SETs with a pair of Klipsch Cornwalls in my 2nd system. So far, I prefer an SET amp with real-world power feeding a more conventional speaker. Good luck in your search.
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!
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!