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SET or OTL to drive Gallo 3.1's Recommendations?

Hello All: I posted asking for recommendations for amps to drive my Gallo 3.1's, got a lot of solid state recommendations, but was intrigued by Dpogue's 12W SET's -- I tried a pair of Tonewin 16 W SET 845 mono's and a low volume, the sound is amazing. Unfortunately, even with Paul Spelt's Zeros, they clip badly at any reasonable volume. I am thinking about spending for an SET or OTL rig ( possibly a new pre-amp too -- have the Odyssey candela now ) to drive these. Any help would be most welcome.
oceanica1
krzycho
17 posts
 
Check Ming-Da 3008-A SET monos. It works.
oceanica1 OP
20 posts
 
Riley 804. I thought about this, but the distortion ( hash and compression ) of the treble concern me, would the sub amp clear up all distortion?
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
My ears were burning so I knew someone was talking my name in vain :-)

Well, not really. I think the key to my success using 12 wpc SET monoblocks with the Ref 3s in a VERY large room is ... the transformers. My friend who designed and built the amps got the trannies custom-wound IIRC from Magnequest. Tubes make a big difference too -- I'm using 845Ws from superTNT (no longer available), JJ KT-77s and Mullard ECC31s (replacing the original Mullard EL-34s and RCA 6N7s respectively). Clearly there's a lot of system synergy at work, but I repeat that I have never heard the amps clip. Dave
oceanica1 OP
20 posts
 
Thanks for all of the comments, Riley, I got your email, but I'll keep this on the forum for the possible benefit of others facing the SET/OTL vs solid state hybrid question on a limited budget.

I currently have an Odyssey Candela running a Van Alstine Fet Valve Ultra 550 into the Gallo's. This is the bext I have been able to do so far, though I will be trying another preamp with lower output impedance soon. It has a very nice sound, and can play at ear-ringing volume without clipping. Nice detail, very good tonal balance and reasonable detail. Just lacks that 3D holographic image with layering and depth that I have heard with good tube set ups.

I have pretty much convinced myself that at my budget, I will not be able to find low watt tubes amps to drive the Gallos.

I have a pair Tonewin 845 Monoblocks rated 16W and a Cayin 300B integrated rated at 9 W. I may just have to look into much more efficient speakers.

What I would love to find are speakers that would work with either of these and give me the tube 3D stage with all of the detail and dynamic range of the Gallo's. I would be willing to sacrifice some bass responce to achieve this.

Help me Obiwan, you're my only hope! (;o)...
jeffreyds
115 posts
 
The Cary 805Cs make an excellent match to the Gallos.
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