Which SET amp to buy?

try decware.com. very interesting.

I have heard George Wright's amplifiers and was quite impressed. They definitely get my vote.

The amps I heard were dead quiet.

Personally I think you're doing this ass backwards(or maybe I'm just looney). I'd at least identify the speakers that really do it for you first, then find the amp that works best with the speakers. If you buy the amp first(especially if it's a SET) you're travelling down a dangerous road as you may be very disappointed if the speakers you really love require more power than your new amp can deliver, or they may just not mate well with your amp. For what it's worth. Best of luck.

Tim

If you do not know if you prefer the 2A3 or 300B, you may want to take a look at the AES-SE1 Signature. It will let you play both. It is relatively inexpensive and lets you play with a larger variety of triodes. Once you have established a preference, you can always upgrade to a stand alone model later if you wish.

Most SETs run from about 2mV to 10mV of 120Hz hum. Less power is less hum so 2A3s are on the low side SOMETIMES.

If possible, think about buying your stuff as a system instead of in separate components (even if you cannot afford both right know). They are going to work together in your listening room. Read Eduardo B.E.de Lima's article "Why single ended Tube Amplifiers". He discusses how SETS and speakers, when phased correctly, produce less harmonic distortion than either component separately.

You should be able to find the article with a search on the web under his name.
CK