SET Amp question


I'm interested if anybody has experience using a SET amp with certain harder to drive speakers, like the Dynaudios and OHMs in my system, or others. What might one expect from such a combo sound wise? Could it work well say in a smaller bedroom system that will not be played too loudly in general.
128x128mapman

Showing 1 response by martykl

Nothing good (unless you go to higher output tubes).

The Verity Parsifal/Encore is a modestly difficult load and it swallowed my Cary 300B monos whole. OTOH, the Cary 805s work just fine with the P/Es. Never even thought to try the 300Bs with my Ohm 100s (which seem to like more, more, more when it comes to amplifier muscle). I'd bet that the 805s would work, but I wouldn't expect improvement over the ARC VT130SE I'm now using, so I'm not about to schlep the 805s into the listening room in anticipation of degraded results.

The problem is that -FOR THE TRUE BELIEVER SET GUY- the low powered amps are the only true key to a happpy life. Flea powered designs just won't work in the type of application you describe and even 300Bs IME will struggle. You're left with the 211/845 designs which will probably provide decent results, but:

A) won't sound their best in such a pairing,
and
B) may not be "SET" enough to satisfy the experiment.

Just my experience.
Good Luck.

Marty