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Sweetest SET Amp below $5k

I'm looking for that velvety natural midrange so often talked about with SET amps. I listen to a lot of singer-songwriter style music, so vocal reproduction is top priority. I've calculated I need something in the range of 20 to 50wpc. My main speakers are Opera Quinta (6-8 ohm, 89db sensitivity), but the amps driving them do not have to produce the lower two octaves as they are taken care of by subwoofers. It doesn't matter to me whether the amp is stereo or are monoblocs.

So, what are the warmest, sweetest SET amps that I can find for under $5k or so, new or used? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!
smeyers

Showing 2 responses by matrix

matrix
305 posts
 
Audio Mirror.. Nothing like them.. Nothing with the finish and parts quality, not to mention the tubes are cheap compared to other models with better sound and are much more durable.. using the same tubes as Atmas-phere amps.
matrix
305 posts
 
Smeyers
I have the 20 watt versions... And their preamp with Phono stage all hot rodded out.. I have owned Cary, Mcintosh, threshold, Odyssey, Classe', Forte', Rogue, Counterpoint, Ps Audio, Basic Denon and Harmon amps, yeesh can't think of them all to be honest..

All had character.. These are Gems and will not be replaced.. They drive excellent speakers to very hi levels, and bass response is killer with these Pure Class A tubes and huge transformers that they use on them.. The pictures on these are pretty deceiving, these are pretty large and very heavy built amps. All gold an chromed out, very hi grade parts and capacitors, point to point built, with internal silver wire etc..

Also these lay down more accuratley something like 26 or 27 watts per channel.. They are rated conservitivley, I have only heard them however on 95 db and above speakers, which go to way beyond rock concert levels with these.. Vocals and midrange sound huge, lots of air, and very smooth, a slight bit to the Warm side of tube sound, they use very neutral sounding capacitors stock however which are the sonic caps..

Good luck, oh and look around somebody did a review on these here on Audiogon a while back replacing some KR mono amps which were like 15 a pair or something. These have sold used about 3 times here over the last 5 years or so, believe me most people keep them.
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