2. amps-preamps
  3. 1206561044

Sweetest SET Amp below $5k

I'm looking for that velvety natural midrange so often talked about with SET amps. I listen to a lot of singer-songwriter style music, so vocal reproduction is top priority. I've calculated I need something in the range of 20 to 50wpc. My main speakers are Opera Quinta (6-8 ohm, 89db sensitivity), but the amps driving them do not have to produce the lower two octaves as they are taken care of by subwoofers. It doesn't matter to me whether the amp is stereo or are monoblocs.

So, what are the warmest, sweetest SET amps that I can find for under $5k or so, new or used? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!
smeyers
jalanc42069
131 posts
 
Check out the Consonance Cyber mono blocks with 211 or 845 output tubes.
Art Audio Carissa sig used- 845 , Diavolo, Jota used
There is a Bel Canto 845 integrated/remote right now on Ago
" " " Mastersound/Vaic 320 integrated " " "
KR 340
Wytech 211 stereo used
That's just some of the high power SETs i'd like to own!
YMMV
By the way, all the above will heat your listening room in the winter...and summer!
Alan
bbro
191 posts
 
Smyers,

I agree with Jond re the Deja Vu PP and/or SET 2A3/45 and 300B amps. And if you can find one that was built around some vintage output transformers like the Acrosound or Chicago transformers from the '50s you will be amazed at what it can do. Don't let their low power rating fool you. They can drive speakers like the Spendor SP100 89db speaker with ease. As long as the speaker has a fairly flat and benign curve.
smeyers OP
181 posts
 
Thanks Alan and Bbro. I'll take a look at the units mentioned.

Any others worth considering?
audiomax
166 posts
 
Disclosure: I'm a dealer for Cayin and Opera loudspeakers.

Unless your room is big (25 x 30, or more etc.), I would recommend against using sub with the Quintas. Natural and smooth sounding as they are, with bass extension down to 30hz, you do not need to use subwoofer especially your main interest is vocal reproduction.

We pair Cayin A-88T integrated amplifier with the Quintas and they are matched made in heaven in my opinion. We even use the A-88T with our Tebaldis speakers with more than satisfying result! And yes, you can use your preamp to drive the Cayin as well (it has Pre-in input). The A-88T offers 22wpc in triode mode and 45wpc in ultralinear mode. You can switch them on the fly during play. Price is $2100 retail. It popped up for sale used on Audiogon every now and then so try them.
rholbrook
1 posts
 
Deja Vu is a high end stereo shop outside DC in McLean VA. It's run by Vu Hoang, who's an interesting guy. They both build their own tube amps as well as sell Audio Note/Kondo, etc. Their sound is generally similar to the Audio Note, if you like that (or want to get a sense of Vu's sound). A highly addictive store--everytime I go in, my wallet seems to open up of its own accord. I personally like the sound (and plan on getting Vu's mono blocs once I save up).
More to discover