What is the magic behind SET

In addition to the above one of the qualities I enjoy most from SET amps is something called "flow" or "continuity." The music has a more natural and continuous flow to it that you don't notice is not there in most components until you hear it there in a SET amp. This quality makes the music more enjoyable and also easier to relax into the performance. One of the elements that leads to this impression is the decay of notes is more natural in SET (and some tube) amps. I currently have an 845 SET that is simply wonderful.

I only wish these amps were not so hot and heavy!

For ANY tube amp, not just SET, the audio output transformer is the story. All that other stuff, resistors, capacitors, tubes, etc. is just auxillary equipment to power up the transformer.

I only exagerate slightly.

TWL really hit on it, but the biggest issue is the simplicity of the signal path. The less junk in the signal path, the less the signal is altered. That is over simplified, but it explains the design philosophy.

I'm finding this to be a fascinating thread.

My system is comprised of a tube preamp matched to a solid state amp, but I've been very curious about possibly getting a SET for use as a second amp.

I'm just not sure which tube design to go with. Mostly likely I'll try an amp that will deliver the full bloom story, but I'm not sure if it will be a good match for my Blue Circle preamp which already has this slight characteristic.

Tom, your post really got the rusty cogs turning in my head. I blame you! Heheh.

SET can be a mind numbing brain melting experience. It can make everything else seem "wrong" it is so emotionly, vivdly right. Then after not hearing it for a few days sanity returns but you always carry this religious experience in your soul. It can turn your world upside down musically, suddenly the world is flat....don't go there, I can't live with tubes, I can't live with tubes...there, I feel better.