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SET amplifier recommendation

 I have been listening push-pull tube amp for a long time. Finally I'd like to try SET. Seems a lot of people moving from push-pull to SET. My budget is <$3000. Looking at Coincident Dynamo MK III 300B. As there is no dealer for Coincident, i can not try it/hear it. Anyone has this? I'd like to hear your comments. i also looked at Decware, Bottlehead, etc. It seems Dynamo is better. Line Magnetic has some interesting ones. But i am not sure the quality can match Canadian made one. 
    My main speaker is B&W 805. Listening space is less than 400 sq ft. My current push-pull setup is CJ premier 15+CJ premier 17ls2+ Audio Research VT100 MKI. Thank you.
cygnus_859
gsm18439
895 posts
 
Border Patrol also makes 300b PP amplifiers, but they are in the 10,000usd or more price range.
technick
140 posts
 
+1 for @verdantaudio  Lots of great info there
davidgwillett
63 posts
 
I have a Cary CAD-300SEI and run via Watkins Gen 4 speakers near field - on my desk.  I also have an REL sub.  Way more power than I need for a small room, even a bigger one.  
unison77
50 posts
 
I don't know the current situation but approx. 15 years ago a local dealer told me that Coincident SET amps were made in China. If this is true, I understand why they don't accept returns.
shkong78's avatar
shkong78
1,485 posts
 
I agree with other people’s opinion that B&W805 is not a good match with SET amp.

About 20 years ago I had driven B&W Nautilus 801(15 inch woofer) with Jadis 500 (350 tube watts) with explosive dynamics and deep bass.


I recommend OP to sell B&W 805 and get the SET friendly speaker with high efficiency above 94 db.

After driving it with ARC PP for a while, OP can try to get SET amp suitable for the speaker as a next step.

I am happy to drive Lansche 4.1 (99db/w spec) with either Line Magnetic 508 and Silbatone 300B SET in open space of 25ft wide, 20 feet deep, 15ft high loft.

The nice thing of SET sound is vocal music.

Both Elvis and Eva Cassidy sounds natural with spooky presence.
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