SET amps with cajones and finesse

Good call, Wellfed! I was still thinking "inside the box" when I typed out my response above - hadn't seen your post at the time.

Yes I have a pair of Zeros for my M-60's, and with especially difficult speakers they make a very substantial improvement.

Just for the record, Atma-Sphere amps are not single-ended triodes, though they often compete against 'em. They use two back-to-back output transformerless class-A biased triode amplifier sections operating in a true balanced configuration. Disclaimer - I peddle 'em.

My limited experience with Talon speakers suggests that the Zero autoformers would be needed if you wanted to use the Atma-Sphere M60's, as the Talons are likely to be a difficult load (judging from the struggles of a well-regarded conventional tube amp to drive a pair of Khorus X's).

With the Zeros, a pair of M-60's would definitely be competition for a good high-power SET. I couldn't reliably speculate on which would work best with the Ravens.

Hi Mark, Try to audition a pair of BAT 150se. They are fantastic!

Good luck, Tom

For 90db efficient speakers you definitely need a SET with highr output than 1-5 watts. Those tiny SET's are better suited to Klipshorn's or Avantgarde's with 100db+ efficiency.

Now getting finesse out of a 40watt SET is something different. Good reviews of Cary products & Atmasphere, but nothing is cheap where you're going.

Enjoy,
Bob

I use a Dared VP-845 SET easily driving Thiel 1.6 (90db). I have owned two of these amps and their 20-23 watts produce great finesse (and wonderful music). I can't recommend them strongly enough. (I have no interest in this Chines company).Good luck.

I don't mind being the lone argument; against.---A 25 wt. set will give you magical midrange.---Just expect zero slam for rock music. Your cross over and impedence are why.--I'm driving Montana eps at 92 sen.--- with the Sophia Princess 845. My impedence drops to 4ohm. Thank God it isn't the only amp I own. So if you are used to powerful push pull triode or solid state you'll hear what I'm talking about. If you buy one; buy other speakers. Don't sell that SS amp;you'll miss it.