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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Bill,
I didn't know that your speakers were that efficient for these types of low power amplifiers. I was under the impression that they require more power to be driven optimally. I believe that a DC 300b SET amplifier would be a challenging but doable project for you. I say have the fun and go for it!
Charles,
jetrexpro
506 posts
 
Grannyring, I am thinking about building a 2nd 300b amp. I am not sure a PSE amp can be switched to a SE amp. The output transformers usually have different primary impedance for PSE and SE amps the the current rating for PSE will be much higher than SE. I would ask Jack at Electra-Print or Mike at Magnaquest about this
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,519 posts
 
Jetrexpro, read up on the Manley Neoclassic amps. They have such a switch and custom tranny. Interesting.

Charles, well my speakers never dip below 6 ohms and are about 92db efficient. I also sit nearfield. The key is I don't listen to music at high volume ever. No louder than 85 DB continues on a day I am off the leash.

My current tube amps put out some 20-25 watts in triode mode and I never push them hard at all.

Like to have two amps on hand. My powerful SS amps and a tube amp to put into rotation.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Bill,
You should be OK given your listening parameters, and with normal hearing ability, 85 db is pretty darn loud enough. I know some on this site like to listen on average at 90-100 db. Too loud for me regardless of the components or system in place(and risky for one's hearing IMO). To each their own as they say. I thought the Manley Neo-Classic 300b allowed switching between SET and push pull. Not sure if the output transformer needed for that is ideal for either topology as there are different requirements. I heard that amp long ago at CES one year. Transformers best suited for SET are 'air gapped' to my understanding, PP doesn't require this feature. It makes me wonder if this amplifier is better in PP than SET mode. The right output transformer is critical to optimal SET performance. Interesting concept but how much compromise is involved?
Charles,
schubert
7,386 posts
 
BrownsFan, try icefreebop@yahoo.com
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