SET Shootout China VS The USA
2A3 SET from china arrives any day now.
The tech who loaned me his UX250 (aka 50 Tube) amp, with a 12AU7 in front + a 6BH7 (??) , has incredible pure Cobalt out trans. ($1k+ each back in 2000, now no longer in production). . he will help me set up the 2A3.
Has a AX+AU my 2 fav front tubes anda quad of 2A3's.
My speakers are pure neutrality, no coloration, no distortion,.
So whatever amp/ source you plug in, will register the nuances inherent in the circuit.
Will be very interesting.
USA has pure cobalt out trans which gives the edge in power, but the china 2A3 has a 2 tubes per channel.
Gonna be interesting and will post a YT upload with comments,
AFTER TESTING IS COMPLETEED.
Hand on to your horses at the OK Corral.
Grab a beer at the saloon,
sundown shootout at the edge of town.
I know what you guys are thinking,,, how is it even remotely possible a DIY speaker, dual FR has a midrange that can match,, no wait, SURPASS the mids of a Wilson, Dali, Sonus Faber, or Rockport,, all in the mega $$$ price tag??? Impossible!!! WEll believe what you wish to believe. I know what I hear. There is no xover/low sens speaker gonna match a higher end FR in the complete midrange band width. I've gone over this more than a dozens x's here on audiogon and I aint gonna repeat myself. |
A couple of quick observations but first, congratulations on your health and congratulations on finding what you were looking for.
I have a pair of single driver, set driven full range speakers and they are extraordinary. So, I agree with you in principle. They are not, however, the pinnacle nor are yours. Full stop. They are what they are and on certain types of music I can see how some, maybe even you or I, might believe they have found the holy grail. What they do well, they do well. They are not the best overall speaker that I have in my home, those are two way with an exquisite crossover in an exquisite, well thought out cabinet developed by a respected designer using tried and true principles with exceptional parts quality.
It's awesome that you love your setup but your credibility wanes as your hyperbole rises when you discuss the absolutes of your belief that your home grown speakers exceed the capabilities of all comers. It's cool the like what you like, as well you should. You should be very proud of your accomplishments and leave it at that. Just enjoy your system and leave the crowning of a champion to those who have the chops. Nobody has the best but for many of us, we have WHAT's best for each of us. Warm regards. |
Well said @ghasley. There are absolutely no absolutes in this hobby. |
| Post removed |
Charles1dad, Thank you for pointing out the Manley PSET-PP amp that can operate both topologies,. I do wonder, however, if it can really deliver optimal performance for both types, particularly because of the specific demands for a good SET transformer. Because the full DC current drawn by the output tube must flow through the primary of the output transformer, the transformer must be designed to handle this current without core saturation. This requirement is usually met by an air gap in the magnetic circuit, which results in reduced inductance which can be compensated for with more iron and more turns in the primary. These compensatory measures would not be as desirable for PP operation. I do wonder if this type of convertible amp is somewhat like an amphibious car--it can be both a car and a boat, but it does neither very well. |
