SET with inefficient speakers


i've always wanted to hear how an SET amp would sound at home, but my speakers aren't a good match in theory. they are dali euphonia M4's. floorstanding with two 6.5" woofs. 88db 4 ohm.

however, my listening room is smaller (10'X16'), i sit very close to the speakers, and i don't listen very loud (usually around 80 db level, per recent fooling around with the radio shack meter).

anyone have success with low powered tube amps under similar situation. there is no loacal dealer to do an in-home audition, and i don't want to hassle with different speakers. thanks....
tim1

Showing 1 response by tholt

Nice thing about audiogon, you can roll amps as easily as you can roll tubes...

I'm having success with a tubed amp on my speakers, despite manu claims that they 'sound best' with SS amps. I have a Cary Rocket, definitely not SET, but the power output in UL mode is "only" 60w (which sounds better the triode @ 30w -- i think the speakers really like the increased power). This amp bested all the SS I had before, including some 200W Nuforce class D's. Speakers are rated @ 150W, and I'm glad I took the gamble.

My point is, don't always believe the specs, or even the manufacturer! But it's still important to keep numbers in mind if you want any hope of synergy.