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Integrated S.E.T Amp and Bookshelf Speakers Recommendations

Greeting! When I was looking for a CD transport replacement I received great info and advice here.

Now that les fil #3 is adulting, I have my own office/library/hiding place. I am exploring lower wattage integrated SET amps and higher efficiency (92+) bookshelf stand-mount speakers, with a relatively flat signal response. I listen to lots of jazz; smaller chamber music groups and Early Music; acoustic bluegrassy, folk and the like. 

I'm looking for an amp that can do the following- liquid tonality with instruments; good realism and immediacy with voices; solid 3 dimensionality; sweet and airy treble; and defined decays. I want it all, lol.

I'm going to audition the following because these are names I have read about.

Elekit TU8600R, UnisonTriode 25, Sophia Electric Prodigy Dual Mono. Any others?

As far as speakers-Audio Note and Harbeth. Any others?

Budget-I'm listening and learning.

Anyone have any thoughts and recommendations?

Thanks again!

David

128x128wharfy
yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,663 posts
 

Why are you looking at Harbeth? They are not high high efficiency speakers!!

theflattire
174 posts
 

Analog Ethos

James Burgess

not integrated but they have volume knobs

speakers: Klipsch RP600

br3098
994 posts
 

I agree with @yogiboy, Harbeth's wouldn't be on my list for a low wattage tube amp. Another story if you were considering  a 35wpc+ PP amp.

The Audio Notes are great speakers but they are not for everyone. I love them but some guys feel that they sound "dark."

You haven't described your room so it's hard to recommend. IMO, set amps and good horn speakers enjoy a magical symmetry. Certainly there is a whole line of new and vintage Klipsch Heritage, starting with the Heresy and on up. I'm partial to vintage JBL monitors featuring CD horns, but that's me.

Another way to go would be "full range" single driver speakers. I've owned Omegas and Coherent Audio from Canada. Both can sound wonderful and can be mated to subwoofers if you feel that you needed more low end punch.

 

freediver
1,176 posts
 

FORGET the low powered SET tube amp!!!
First off,RETUBING COST of 300B tubes every few thousand hours is OUTRAGEOUSLY EXPENSIVE....You could go Single Ended EL34 or KT88 but still limited power available or one of the new Single Ended KT150/170 amps available but you’ll still have to retube every few thousand hours.
If you want it all,go with a PURE CLASS A Solid State amp from Pass Labs,Sugden or Luxman!!!
Add a pair of smallish stand mounted monitors from Spendor,Harbeth,Reference 3A,Dynaudio or Sonus Faber & bliss out!

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