Which SET amp to buy?


I am thinking about making the plunge into the SET amp world.I have not chosen speakers.I will pick my amp first and then search for efficient speakers.I have a budget of 2000.00 and do not know whether to go the 2a3 or 300b route.I have heard good things about AES,Wright-Sound and Bottlehead.The Wrights look very interesting.Especially the Mono 8s.I have heard there is an inherent hum in some SET amps.Is this true of all of them or only certain brands?Any input you looneys?
BB
bigbry

Showing 1 response by clueless

Most SETs run from about 2mV to 10mV of 120Hz hum. Less power is less hum so 2A3s are on the low side SOMETIMES.

If possible, think about buying your stuff as a system instead of in separate components (even if you cannot afford both right know). They are going to work together in your listening room. Read Eduardo B.E.de Lima's article "Why single ended Tube Amplifiers". He discusses how SETS and speakers, when phased correctly, produce less harmonic distortion than either component separately.

You should be able to find the article with a search on the web under his name.
CK