SET amp for Gallo ref 3.1

Thanks, Richard, although you overstated the wattage of my SET monoblocks (actually 12 wpc). They have driven the Ref 3s with no problems or clipping or over 4 years. Another friend who heard mine bought a pair of the same amps from the designer/builder. I'm also using the Gallo subwoofer amp on the speakers' second voice coils, so the SETS don't have to deliver the goods below about 42 Hz.

The amps do have huge Magnequest trannies and I think this contributes strongly to their ability to control the Ref 3s. They have three tubes per side -- 845 outputs, EL34 (or KT77) drivers, and 6N7 (or ECC31) inputs. Solid state rectification. I listen at fairly moderate volumes, but in a quite large room (18x40'). Good luck, Dave.

Thanks Richard for making me aware of the Butler Amps. Having read some on the internet I can not claim to know whats going on inside them - but they shure look like a great match for the Gallos.

As for the SET glory I see that I would need an ultrastable current delivering design as pointed out by Jeff and Dave. What make amplifier is your 2x12WPC design.... if I may ask ?

Thanks for helping out

Hans

Hans, my amps were designed and built by a friend who is no longer in my area. There are only 3 pairs in existence as far as I know. They are by no means "commercial" products and were constructed on Mapleshade maple platforms, like a glorified breadboard design. So everything is out in the open and they're not safe around children or pets. Dave

I have been on a general tube quest for my Gallos as well. I currently run a PrimaLuna Prologue 3 as a preamp and Wyred4Sound monoblocks along with the Gallo Ref SA. I had a Prologue 5 tube power amp for a while but it just did not seem to have the juice at 30watts (or so) per channel to drive the Gallos.

I have been looking into the PrimaLuna monoblocks, the McIntosh 275, and the Cary 120. Anyone have any experience with these and their Gallos or others that are worth a look & listen?

(I know that this is a slight change from the OP, but tubes & Gallos seems mostly relevant)

I have the 3.1's hooked up to my Canary CA-339's. The sound is pure bliss. The 339 is a 50 watt 300B amp. It is a great match. My brother has the 25 watt version of the amps and they do a pretty good job as well. As somebody pointed out, we all hear differently. I must say that 12 watts just doesn't sound like enough. The Gallo's are not that efficient. I think there are better speakers out there that are priced similarly. Let us know how you make out.

I had the opportunity to hear the Gallo sub amp. It wasn't for me. It seems that amp goes both ways with people, some like it and some don't.