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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
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Mdemaio,
Wow, that Audio Nirvana amp looks really interesting! $1550 for a beefy 300b SET? Hmmmmm...
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Al,
I hear what you're saying and as always it is rational. Brownsfan reports that the Dynamo works wonderfully with his DeCapos. So it is the expected varied experiences. Tim Smith said the amp was fine with 87db Harbeths. Much depends on listening levels,genre and room size.
mikirob
955 posts
 
Hi Rebbi,
I delt with Galen Carol on a number of occasions, he has always been very helpful. In fact, my last purchase from him was a Jolida FX10 for a desk-top system paired with 93db 8ohm Tekton 4.5 monitors. Very good sound. The FX10 put out about 10 Watts.

Also second that Audio Nirvana, looks promising, wonder how it sounds? Seems as though it has hefty transformers, wonder how well made they are? I'm also impressed that they are using Black Treasure 300B, a real plus. Great "bargain" price as well.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Markus,
That is quite a compliment for the Frankenstein considering you have the esteemed Lamm SET as well.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Al, as Charles stated, I evaluated my deCapos in a 14 X 19 x 8 room with the dynamo and 3 other amps. I would suggest if rebbi is willing to limit peaks to about 90 to 92 dB he is probably going to be OK with the dynamo. I did not like my 500 wpc ss Cary amps with the deCapos at all. On the other hand, the inspire kt66 amp clearly ran out of steam. In terms of overall performance, wpc is one of many criteria as you know.

What troubles me is that rebbi needs to make a decision without benefit of an audition. I can't predict his assessment of the dynamo vs his Manley.
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