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SET shortlist to drive tweeters in active system

Hello.

I'm building a DIY 4-way active system and thinking an SET for the tweeters might be a great choice. But wanted to get input from knowledgeable users.

The 20 to 600Hz range will be handled by active subs plus 10" drivers with their own 700W class D amp.
I'm still undecided about the midrange driver, but likely to be driven by my McIntosh MC275. It will be a 6.5 or 8" cone, though.

The top end will be through a Beyma TPL-150H, a pro ribbon with a horn playing from 2 to 23 kHz, spec'd as 102 dB (@1W, 1m) and a pretty constant impedance of 4.9 to 5 ohm.
I'm thinking it looks like a great place to use a SET, right? Which amps should I include in my shortlist?
Looking for SET holographic magic with dynamics.
The signal will come from a balanced IC, so XLR input would be preferred.
Reliability is a must, and the more the better. I will import this into Argentina, so sending the unit to the manufacturer would be difficult.
Price range: under 4k.

Thanks!
lewinskih01

Showing 7 responses by lewinskih01

lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
I'm surprised I'm not getting any reply. Maybe I asked a stupid question? If so, would appreciate learning how it was so. Wouldn't be the first time, though :-)
lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
Fair enough.
Maybe I was jumping to conclusions.

My 4-way would be divided as follows:
20 to 80 Hz by active subs
80 to 600 Hz by two 10" midbass woofers per side, driven by class-D amp.
600 to 2500 Hz by a midrange. Was assuming my MC275 for this. Most midranges are somewhere in the 94 to 100dB sensitivity and 4 ohms.
2.5 to 23kHz by the TPL-150H at 102dB sensitivity.

Do you think I'm better off using SET in the midrange and having the MC275 do the higher frequencies?
lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
Hew,

I didn't wanted to go there to avoid complicating the thread as my setup is rather unusual. My only source is a very optimized PC running, among other things, Acourate for digital room correction. It can also perform digital crossovers, linearize drivers and time align the different channels. This will feed an 8-channel DAC that in turn will feed the amps driving the speaker drivers directly.

I realize this is not for everyone. Not sure KISS is too applicable. Passive crossovers are used to make a speaker easy to use, not for their better performance.
lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
Hello Charles1dad.

Thanks for the input. I was actually hoping you would chime in.
I like the sound of tubes for the midrange and treble. Hyper extension is not a need for me - and anyway can't hear close to 20kHz. Imaging, air and spaciousness are highly desired.

Could you suggest a couple good amp options using 300b and 45 tubes? Those Elrog 300b sure look nice, but beyond my current budget.
lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
Initially I said 4k, but in reality that would be the utmost I could do. I would be much happier if they were 2k. Too many things changing in my system now.

Used would work, provided I can have the manufacturer or service turn it to 220V.
lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
Charles,

After looking into the suggested brands they all seem to be beyond my budget. I'm part way through the "greatest bargain in SET amps these day" thread and the Dynamo 34SE has me intrigued. How do you think it would do in light of my McIntosh MC275? The EL34-based amps weren't in your listed suggestions.

I could have one Dynamo driving ribbon tweeters and MC275 driving midrange, or even two Dynamos one for L and one for R and have each drive tweeter on one channel and midrange on the other channel. And do without my MC275. And of course keep everything below 500Hz to the class D amp.

Regards
lewinskih01 OP
906 posts
 
George,
I'll look into the Pass Aleph. Hadn't thought about it. I confess I like tubes though. But I'la look into user feedback.
DIY is certainly an alternative for me. But I'm very hesitant to go with a cheap alternative I never heard of.

BTW, Charles: thanks for the input. I hadn't realized it was a SEP. Dynamo looks like a viable option. I know price does not equate to sound, but honestly down deep I'm struggling with replacing the Mac with two Dynamos plus Hypex.
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