2. amps-preamps
  3. 1408839785

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
roxy54's avatar
roxy54
8,066 posts
 
Rebbi,
Small details aside, I think you are really going to have a lot of fun listening with this amp. It is just going to be a new experience for you in comparison to what you are accustomed to, and it should mate well with your speakers since they don't have a complex crossover.
Keep us posted as you begin building it.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Roxy54,
Thanks for the kind good wishes.
The kit should be delivered in a week or so. Timing should be good because I anticipate having a lighter work schedule in December/January.
My plan is to work on this project VERY SLOWLY and carefully. I'm considering blogging the experience and if I do I'll post a link to it here.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Rebbi, I would be very interested in a blow by blow account of your build. Please keep us all informed.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Brownsfan,
I think I'm going to do it. Blogging the build would add an extra dimension to the experience. Stay tuned...
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,452 posts
 
Audiogon will be +1 SET guru when Rebbi is done.
More to discover