The SET amp question.

As Larryi stated, 845's can give the benefits of SET plus substantial power (in a relative sense). I highly recommend the Art Audio Carissa SET amp at 12 big watts. It convinced me that all this is not hype but an exciting way to go.

I was I had the luxury to try some of the low powered SETs with high efficiency speakers - if I did, I would be very eager to try the Music Reference EM7 since I have found their RM10, RM9, and RMSEs to be exceptionally good PP amps. I think there are now some reviews out there, but you can be sure any amp by Roger Modjeski will sound very good, measure well, and be reliable. I think the 2.5 watt version of the EM7 is $750 (there is also a 5 watt version for less than $1,000). The Wright 3.5 would also interest me based on feedback from owners of his amps and this one in particular - don't know the price, but his stuff is generally very high value.

The earlier post regarding the Art Audio Carissa is incorrect.

Output is 16WPC not 12WPC.

I have had 45, 2A3, PX-25, 300B, 211, 845, and 805 SET amps.

As others have noted, with your speakers, your options are completely open - and IMO the 45 cannot be beat all-around. Either the Yamamoto or the Fi (the X is good but not as good as his stereo or monos; the X is the budget version).

The 45 tube will amaze you with its rock-solid bass, perfectly neutral tonality, amazing sound-staging, and complete freedom from any weakness at all, really.

Thanks guys, your posts have been very informative and helpful.

Swampwalker, my room size is 25 by 20 feet. Mostly listen to smooth jazz and soft rock but enjoy all other types of music. Volume level is usually low to medium but at times that can change depending on the type of music I'm in the mood for. Budget right now is about $1,500.00 on the used market.