SET amplifier recommendation

I don't know the current situation but approx. 15 years ago a local dealer told me that Coincident SET amps were made in China. If this is true, I understand why they don't accept returns.

I agree with other people’s opinion that B&W805 is not a good match with SET amp.

About 20 years ago I had driven B&W Nautilus 801(15 inch woofer) with Jadis 500 (350 tube watts) with explosive dynamics and deep bass.


I recommend OP to sell B&W 805 and get the SET friendly speaker with high efficiency above 94 db.

After driving it with ARC PP for a while, OP can try to get SET amp suitable for the speaker as a next step.

I am happy to drive Lansche 4.1 (99db/w spec) with either Line Magnetic 508 and Silbatone 300B SET in open space of 25ft wide, 20 feet deep, 15ft high loft.

The nice thing of SET sound is vocal music.

Both Elvis and Eva Cassidy sounds natural with spooky presence.

Take a look at the Audio Mirror 45w SET mono blocks. Over your budget, but maybe used price would meet your spend. There are also a couple of reviews links on the Audio Mirror website. 

Don't fall for the SE tube hype! PP tube amps can be just as good! And a lot more practical! I have both - and high-sensitivity speakers to use with the SE amps (Klipsch Heresy's). The SE amps are: Sanei 560A (2A3's), Will Vincent 45 and a custom-buit SE amp using one 6BG6 tetrode per channel (6 watts). I have many speakers at hand - but only the Heresy's are suitable!

i second the linear tube audio suggestion. they have SET magic with  oomph (: