Considering A 20-40 Watt Stereo SET Amp


I just got over a 16 day illness (not Covid) where it was touch and go for a few days. I am thinking of rewarding myself with a 20-40 watt stereo SET amp. The speakers I will use are a pair of the new JBL L100 Classic speakers that I bought at the end of 2020. The speakers are rated at 4 ohms @90db sensitivity.

Presently, I am using a McIntosh integrated and I do not listen loud. The meters on the Mac usually sit between .20 and 2 watts at its loudest. I have not started looking yet but I do know I want something with 1 pair of outputs so I can use my SVS powered subwoofer with it. I would also need 3 high level inputs. I don’t want to break the bank as this would be a secondary amp to put into rotation as the mood strikes me.

I do not want a flea powered amp so it has to be 20-40 watts and under 4 grand new. Used would be even better. I am hoping I can be steered in the right direction so I can start my research. I do not want to have to buy other components to accommodate the amp. Source components are a McIntosh SACD player, McIntosh FM tuner and a Sony HAP-Z1ES music player. Nordost interconnects and Canare speaker cables, Shunyata power cords and a Furutech power conditioner round out the system. The amp must be stereo, no monoblocks please. 99% of my listening will be through my Mac FM tuner. The system is also on its own dedicated 20-amp circuit.

128x128stereo5

How about forgoing the tubes and get a true Class A SE solid state integrated like this Sugen A21SE. It has all the features that you are looking for!

http://goldprintaudio.com/

https://www.sugdenaudio.com/a21se-integrated-amplifier

Consider a Firstwatt amp by Nelson Pass. The mosfet's he uses are kinda like little solid tubes. I built his F5 design and find it very tubey sounding.

You may want to check out Audio Mirror’s 45w SET monoblocks. Not a conventional SET, as it uses a pair of 6C33Cs wired in parallel, but has lots of power. I think there was a review in The Abscolute Sound. Hope this helps.

The mono blocks sound like a good idea. 

Can be paired with a tube pre with variable outs for subs. 

Although it might sound schiity....

https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-n

@stereo5 

At $3k, I highly recommend the Willsenton R800i. It’s 45w SET.  To get this power it has a massive transformer and weighs a ton. It has 3 inputs, remote, VU meters —not to mention it sounds lovely and robust.