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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,239 posts
 
Rebbi,
Brownsfan has three SET amps he's going to audition with your same speaker, that seems very worthwhile for your search.Power ratings can be misleading, quality of design and built can trump mesured specifications sometimes.
Line Magnetic is another brand you may want to consider in addition to ASL.
ait
480 posts
 
Depends on the SET what you can drive. I have no problem driving 85dB (if that efficient) Infinity RSIIb speakers with an SET, to louder than I'd ever need. Just need lots of power supply storage (400+joules), 2500volts B+ and 62lb output transformers...
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Brownsfan: Eagerly awaiting your results!
steelhead
318 posts
 
I was very impressed with the line magnetic 22 watt per channel SET amp I heard at Pitchperfect in LA. Brand new I think it is 4,500 bucks.

Looked very nice and sounded good.

The Shindo SET was freaking fantastic but big bucks.

I have been way impressed with almost all the SET's I have been in front of.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Actually, I believe that Brownsfan's Inspire KT66 is a SEP, not an SET. I tried Dennis' Inspire KT88 SEP with my 91 db efficiency speakers, and the sound was very disappointing. I really wanted to love that amp, I thought it would mate well with my Cary SLP-98P F1 preamp.

I tried all sorts of driver, power and rectifier tube combinations to try and get it to open up, alas, I could not get decent sound in my room. To his credit, Dennis gave me a full refund. I do know of others that love his amps, so it is still probably worth a try, even though it did not come close to working for me.
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