Integrated SET...


I recently replaced my Wilson Watt Puppy 8's with Zu Audio Omen Def Supreme. MUCH more efficient speakers, which leads me to a long time itch to try a single ended tube amp. This is the first time I've had speakers that could actually work with low power.

 

So, what do you recommend in terms of a good SET, preferably integrated and remote (at least for volume)? Budget is pretty flexible, but I would like to stay under $5-6k used

128x128audiojan

Showing 2 responses by calieng

My Willsenton R300 had a board fail on it just when I was demoing it to sell to a guy who drove quite a way to see it....not a fun experience for either of us. Completely stopped making sound. As it is a new model maybe give the designers some time to work out any weak points in the circuit before considering buying one. And while it is warm and organic sounding it is not anywhere close to resolving like higher cost amps.

Anyone with $5k to spend should move on from Chifi. I am a bit of an Icon Audio fan right now. I have the Stereo 300 mkII (300B) and also the Stereo 40 mkIV (KT88). The selling point of these amps are the transformers which are fantastic. Very resolving. But you need to do the Mudorf capacitor upgrade to go to the next level with them. I did it myself but the factory and some dealers also offer it. They also have a KT150 single ended but I have not heard that one....

https://iconaudio.com/stereo-30-se-single-ended-integrated-amplifier-stereo-30se

Anyway I have not heard anything sound better than these two amps with the Mundorf cap upgrade. And while the 300B is very natural, wide, and deep sounding the Stereo 40 has the punch and resolution to be the first choice if only owning one amp.

 

Definitely narrow your search to those amps that are point to point wired.

Circuit boards do not hold up well to the heat from tubes.

An especially avoid those amps where tube sockets are directly mounted onto a circuit board.

You will thank me later!