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SET shortlist to drive tweeters in active system

Hello.

I'm building a DIY 4-way active system and thinking an SET for the tweeters might be a great choice. But wanted to get input from knowledgeable users.

The 20 to 600Hz range will be handled by active subs plus 10" drivers with their own 700W class D amp.
I'm still undecided about the midrange driver, but likely to be driven by my McIntosh MC275. It will be a 6.5 or 8" cone, though.

The top end will be through a Beyma TPL-150H, a pro ribbon with a horn playing from 2 to 23 kHz, spec'd as 102 dB (@1W, 1m) and a pretty constant impedance of 4.9 to 5 ohm.
I'm thinking it looks like a great place to use a SET, right? Which amps should I include in my shortlist?
Looking for SET holographic magic with dynamics.
The signal will come from a balanced IC, so XLR input would be preferred.
Reliability is a must, and the more the better. I will import this into Argentina, so sending the unit to the manufacturer would be difficult.
Price range: under 4k.

Thanks!
lewinskih01
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Up to 4K used can get you a very good 300b SET. Coincident,Allnic,Wavelength, Sophia Electric, Audio Note Kit etc. Definitely 45 and 2A3 SETs as well but I'm not as familiar with them as the 300b amps. What ever you choose be sure the builder emphasized quality output transformers and stout power supplies. These are fundamental keys to high grade SET amplifiers. Saving a few bucks by compromising these areas is a poor decision IMO.
Charles,
lewinskih01 OP
907 posts
 
Charles,

After looking into the suggested brands they all seem to be beyond my budget. I'm part way through the "greatest bargain in SET amps these day" thread and the Dynamo 34SE has me intrigued. How do you think it would do in light of my McIntosh MC275? The EL34-based amps weren't in your listed suggestions.

I could have one Dynamo driving ribbon tweeters and MC275 driving midrange, or even two Dynamos one for L and one for R and have each drive tweeter on one channel and midrange on the other channel. And do without my MC275. And of course keep everything below 500Hz to the class D amp.

Regards
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Hi Lew,
You asked about SET(single ended triode) which would use a DHT tube, The Dynanco is actually a SEP(single ended pentode tube). I haven't heard the Dynaco however professional reviews have been raves(6 Moons review is very detailed). Dynaco owners on this site are very happy with it. I believe for your application it could be really quite good. I'm not familiar enough with either the Dynaco or MAC amp to offer a comparison opinion.
Charles,
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

Hi Lewinskih01, for a top tweeter amp you want extension and Class A. I would look at some of Nelson Pass Aleph's or a small class a kit, if your up to doing a chassis and power supply this maybe nice.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/KSA50-CLASS-A-AMPLIFIER-BOARD-ASSEMBLED-MONO-/111194258218?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item19e3b1bb2a

Cheers George
lewinskih01 OP
907 posts
 
George,
I'll look into the Pass Aleph. Hadn't thought about it. I confess I like tubes though. But I'la look into user feedback.
DIY is certainly an alternative for me. But I'm very hesitant to go with a cheap alternative I never heard of.

BTW, Charles: thanks for the input. I hadn't realized it was a SEP. Dynamo looks like a viable option. I know price does not equate to sound, but honestly down deep I'm struggling with replacing the Mac with two Dynamos plus Hypex.
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