Sweetest SET Amp below $5k

Thanks for the response Jon. I think the Cary at 15w may be a little underpowered. I've never heard of Deju Vu Audio; their web site doesn't mention any models of their own brand, only other brands they sell such as Audio Note and Bel Canto.

Thanks Alan and Bbro. I'll take a look at the units mentioned.

Any others worth considering?

Thanks Audiomax. The problem is that the room isn't fully enclosed; it leads into other rooms all over the house as well as the upper floor (no ceiling). I tried the Quintas in the room without the subs and didn't like what I heard. The mid bass seemed a bit pronounced and loose and did not have extension into the 20-40Hz octave. Using the subs and a Tact room correction preamp completely resolves the bass issues, plus it takes the responsibility of bass production away from the main amps allowing potential lower power units. I've heard that Cayin makes good products, but am more interested in a SET amp. Thanks.

Thanks Matrix; I'd not heard of this company before. Their prices are actually reasonable. I wish there was more information and a few more pictures of the amps on their web site. What other amps have you compared them too? Which model have you had?

Thanks Gary. Seems like a nice unit; certainly beautiful looking! The price is a bit too steep for me though, unless it comes up used for a lot less. I would also prefer a straight power amp over an integrated.

Thanks Matrix. I'll take a closer look at their stuff. I did find some discussion on their products here, but could not find that review you mentioned. Had you heard their 45 watt version? I have 6-8 ohm 89 db sensitive speakers (although bass duties are handled by subs), so the 45 watt version may be more appropriate. I find it interesting that the 45 watt version is only about $350 more that the 20 watt version. Why get the lower powered unit if it's so close in price to the higher powered unit? Have you needed to speak to them at any time? I don't like when a manufacturer does not provide a telephone number on their website.

Thanks David. I have been hearing more and more how important the output transformer is and how expensive good ones are. Unfortunately with all the information and varying opinions around, it's hard to know what is really a good, well built amp, what is not, or what seems too good to be true.