SET 45 Amp Driving Dynamic Speakers

larryi, your assessment of the Titus is spot on!

Technically on paper, I think I would prefer OTL over SET in that the use of a transformer when needed can only hurt and not help most likely.

Problem with OTL for me is all those tubes and the limited choice of speakers for best results.

Also WAF and size though not so much cost.

I decided to try newer amplification technology ie Class D before diving into tube amps and have been quite happy there for a number of years , but of course curiosity still always kills the cat. Thing is though I (and many others including the pro reviewers) have found Class D amps to top performers in most regards already, the technology is not yet fully mature and will only get better. My ref1000m amps are several years old already. The newer ref600m models are said to be even better and knowing the technology that would not surprise me. That Class D still has upside coming down the road as swtiching frequencies and bandwidth continue to improve is another reason I hesitate to make too big an investment in tube amps.

Al

Thanks!

Gary

Hello Mapman,
My comments about realistic piano sound was in response to your mentioning 2nd order harmonics vs "accurate reproduction. The SET sounds more like a live piano than other amplifiers I’ve used in my system. I believe it is due to the ability to capture and preserve the nuances and subtle musical cues that are so important. The resonance of the soundboard and vibration of the strings etc. This level of information heightens the sense of presence and the benefit is a more convincing presentation.

It isn’t a case of the SS not sounding good, but rather it couldn’t fool you to the same extent as the SET in presenting believable presence. As a consequence the SET was superior of distinguishing both the players (Monk,Peterson,Ellington or Evans). This also applies to brand differences (Yamaha, Fazioli,Bosendorfer or Steinway). Even less apparent nuances are more clearly contrasted.

This ability to finely discriminate is consistent with all instruments in my listening experiences. I’ve come to realize that perhaps the greatest strength of good SET is its admirable way with the micro,ultra subtle but very necessary details. That it does this in such a natural manner is what’s so impressive. It doesn’t resort to a sterile or analytical character in order to present this beautiful inner detail.

Mapman,
You should give the Atma-Sphere S 30 serious consideration as a lower power and smaller OTL alternative (if you prefer OTL rather than SET).. Surely a good match with your speakers.  Either direction, good luck.
Charles,

Charles, yes Atmasphere s-30 would be nice and I have considered but looking for a more compact integrated amp initially.   Still waiting to see an  Atmasphere OTL integrated amp.  :^).

This would be a third system  in a smaller room if I do it and I am not seeking a large investment to compete with or replace my main system at least initially.    If things work out and I retire to smaller quarters at some point in the not too distant future and decide to downsize, maybe.  It all depends.  We'll see.

Listening to Beethoven’s 7th Symphony with Carlos Kleiber conducting the Vienna Philharmonic. Don’t know if there is any higher order harmonic distortion going on, but it sounds, and feels, like I’m in the hall.

Peaked at 87 on my dB meter.