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What's the greatest bargain in SET these days?

Hi, Gang,
I response to my recent review of the Reference 3A De Capo BE speaker, someone wrote that if you really want to hear them sing, you should try them with a SET amp, or words to that effect.
That got me thinking. The De Capo's are 92 db efficient, which (correct me if I'm wrong) seems kind of borderline for low-power SET amps.
In any event, right now I'm running mine with a pair of Manley Mahi mono-blocks. They are switchable from triode (20 watts) to "ultra linear" (40 watts). I run them in triode all the time, and in my room, the volume knob almost never goes past 9 o'clock; more would just be too loud.
All that said, what do you guys think of running the De Capo's with a SET amp? And if I did, what's the best bargain in SET's these days?
Thanks!
rebbi
mikirob
955 posts
 
Brownsfan, Charles, what tubes are simpatico with the 34se.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mikirob,
I don't have the Dynamo amplifier(I own the Frankenstein MK II). Brownsfan's unit is brand new, he hasn't gotten to the tube rolling stage yet.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Thanks Charles, based on Brownsfan review I just pulled the trigger on a Dynamo 34 SE myself. They will be in the office system with the M-Lore, 95db, 8ohm nominal, source is Sony S9000ES, Eastern Electric MiniMax DAC.

As soon as my new house is finished (late spring), I intend to purchase the Coincident 300b unit you have. Might go with Daedalus, Coincident, Devore 096, Line Magnetic 755, or something like that.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Mikirob,
I trust Brownsfan's ears/impressions and believe that you'll be very pleased with your Dynamo-M Lore pairing.
You have a very good list of speaker choices, the Frankenstein should match well with any of them. The Line Magnetic 755 field coil is intriguing.
Charles,
ait
480 posts
 
To address the original question, IMO the greatest bargain in SET amps is one you build yourself. SETs are very simple circuits, even a beginner can make one. How it sounds will depend greatly on the power supply and the output transformers you select, but if you can solder two wires together you can build an SET. Since you will be building it with your own labor, without the need to make a profit, it will undoubtedly be cost-effective as well.

If it seems like I'm always pushing DIY here, well it's because I've gone from buying my gear to building it myself, and not only is it a very rewarding hobby, I've been able to make equipment that I never could have afforded to buy commercially. Just planting the idea.
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