2. amps-preamps
  3. 1408839785

What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Hi, Gang,
I response to my recent review of the Reference 3A De Capo BE speaker, someone wrote that if you really want to hear them sing, you should try them with a SET amp, or words to that effect.
That got me thinking. The De Capo's are 92 db efficient, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems kind of borderline for low-power SET amps.
In any event, right now I'm running mine with a pair of Manley Mahi mono-blocks. They are switchable from triode (20 watts) to "ultra linear" (40 watts). I run them in triode all the time, and in my room, the volume knob almost never goes past 9 o'clock; more would just be too loud.
All that said, what do you guys think of running the De Capo's with a SET amp? And if I did, what's the best bargain in SET's these days?
Thanks!
rebbi

Showing 2 responses by sebrof

sebrof's avatar
sebrof
834 posts
 
A friend recently got a used pair of the Audio Mirror amps, his have the 6H13C tubes, 20 watts PSET. Seems to like them a lot but I haven't heard them.

I agree that 92db seems borderline with a low power SET. I have a 2A3 SET at about 3 watts that probably would not be enough, but 300Bs would give 8 watts which might work. I used to have a Manley Stingray which I believe is the integrated version of your Mahis and I like the SET better. It all depends on what you like.
(Rebbi - I PM'd you on AA)
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
834 posts
 
03-04-15: Rebbi
Roxy and Charles:
I should be receiving my Driver Board from Digital Pete in Florida tomorrow (although they're talking about an ice storm here late tonight so that may be delayed).
I was in upstate NY last week, 17 degrees below zero with snow and ice and nobody bats an eye, business as usual.
Here in Austin somebody sees a blip on the radar and they shut it down, my wife's school was called off yesterday afternoon. I mean school for TODAY! She's in the bedroom sleeping and the streets are dry as a bone and it's 30 degrees.
I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you'll get your board.
More to discover